Once upon a training, one of the higher rank black belts was waxing eloquent about some karate-related thing, when the sensei came up next to him. Sensei formed his hand into the shape of a duck bill and moved it up and down, then said, "Fuchi no karate!" and laughed. He then looked at me, shook his head, and added, "Mouth karate... talk talk talk!"
We all laughed but the point was made, and we all got back to work. More work, less talk!
It's a familiar issue in every endeavor you undertake. Some people are hard workers, some people spend much more time talking about their work than actually doing it (personally I believe these people are responsible for 99% of useless meetings I've had to sit through). Many people are dedicated, but we all have our days/weeks/etc. where the motivation dies, and we find ourselves doing more talking than doing. It can sneak up on you; you might think you're still busting your keister while the people around you are wishing you'd shut up so they can get back to work.
Karate goes in highs and lows for me, and in the course of the ride I sometimes find myself talking. A lot. To other people, to myself, to sensei. I have opinions on everything and express them indiscriminately. I don't always realize I'm doing it unless it's pointed out to me. At that point, I usually feel embarrassed and slightly resentful, but it also helps me to focus myself again and get back on track.
Of course, it's easy to see in other people. I know several people who sparred against high ranks when they were comparatively low, and won their matches. A couple of these people still bring that up whenever sparring is mentioned -- rather than doing whatever sparring drill is being suggested. I know a few other people who talk about how much potential they have, and how they're destined for great success at (insert team or event) -- and miss plenty of trainings, don't work as hard as they should when they do attend, and are visibly out of the sort of condition required for that greatness they desire. Another has not graced a dojo in many years (a litany of injuries will follow if you ask why) -- but will they readily tell you how they could improve everyone else's karate, regardless of their relative rank or experience.
So that's my challenge to any readers who haven't given up on this blog due to the seriously sparse postings lately! (hey, I've been training as much as possible but I have a 4 month old midget at home and she takes priority):
Examine your dojo self. How much work are you doing vs. how much talk? Are you making every training? How hard do you work while you're there? Do you accept criticism as a chance to improve, or reject it as a put-down? Do you always have an excuse or response when you are being corrected?
Remember, the dojo is a training hall, and you should respect it as such. Make sure your priority there is work, not talk.
You just might fuchi more than you know!
Glad that you're still training, despite having a newborn in the home. Never understand why parents use their children as an excuse for not pursuing their passions? Prolly b/c I don't have any children of my own ;)
Posted by: AG | September 15, 2007 at 07:47 AM
Before I had a baby of my own, I couldn't understand why parents couldn't just get a babysitter or take turns training or whatever. Many of them swore that they really missed karate and that it was really important to them, but I could only think, "If it's that important, why haven't you figured out a way to keep training?"
I understand a little better now! lol
However... way back when we first learned I was pregnant, my husband and I discussed the fact that karate is extremely important to both of us, and discussed ways to compromise to ensure that we could both continue after the baby was born. I'd seen too many women have babies and disappear from the dojo, some of them a real loss. We lined up grandparents for babysitting a couple of nights a week, 6 months before there was anything to babysit! And we take turns on things that we don't have babysitting for, taking into account if it is more important to/for one of us at that time.
And one thing I must say, getting back into the dojo has been very good for me. Exercise raises endorphin levels, so it's a mood elevator. It's helping me to trim back down and get back in shape, which is also a mood elevator (never underestimate the power of vanity). And karate makes me happy, I've worked hard to gain a certain degree of skill, I'm proud of what I've accomplished, and very happy to still be on that road.
Posted by: LirianFae | September 19, 2007 at 03:59 PM
I can see where there are moments in the dojo when we need to talk, but the real learning comes when we "do".
I've seen what you are describing here happening more than once.. it's like the explaining, and "figuring" aspect takes over the training.
Welcome back to your weblog. I understand about being busy as a new Mom.. Been there more than once myself.
Posted by: supergroup7 | September 25, 2007 at 06:37 AM
There are times when talking about karate is as important or even more important than going up and down that line. But this is not mindless chatter. It is talk to stoke the fire of understanding. Without discussion, the transmission of experience will be limited. Colin
Posted by: Colin Wee | September 29, 2007 at 09:07 AM
Guess I should clarify... I'm all about talking about karate, I do it all the time. I'm forever analyzing, dissecting, discussing, and pondering, and I've learned and grown tremendously from it.
What I mean here is more talking when it's all talk. We all know them, the people who tell everyone how good they are, how much they love karate, how hard they work, then skip a lot of trainings and slack off when they are there.
Put your money where your mouth is!
Posted by: LirianFae | September 29, 2007 at 10:19 AM
"What I mean here is more talking when it's all talk. We all know them, the people who tell everyone how good they are, how much they love karate, how hard they work, then skip a lot of trainings and slack off when they are there."
Yeah - that's irritating. Fortunately I don't encounter that very often.
Colin
Posted by: Colin Wee | September 30, 2007 at 01:07 AM
You are right. I spend months and years with my students, yet sometimes hardly know them. My wife spends maybe 5 minutes with them when they come over for Christmas lunch, and finds out how many kids they've got, if they're married, what they do with their jobs, etc. I do get to know them in other ways, but it's a laugh not to find out about these things.
Here's an example of an analysis I had to do to correct what I thought was a side kick that needed improving.
http://traditionaltaekwondo.blogspot.com/2007/10/tekki-low-side-kick-to-knee.html
Colin
Posted by: Colin Wee | October 04, 2007 at 08:07 PM
I agree it is harder to train when married with children. Like most readers, I have found a way to balance the two. Lucky me, my children wanted to enroll in classes also.
I am also fortunate to belong to a training facility that seems to really root for all to succeed with no obvious overzealous members. It also sounds like you have a good sensei.
Posted by: Tim | December 20, 2007 at 08:41 PM