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!
Recent Comments