Life lessons from the dojo
Slowly getting back into the swing of things as I'm adjusting the ergonomics at work and starting to ease off on the new-job fatigue. So... onwards!
#226: Everything is easier with support
We spent quite a lot of tonight's class working on techniques to improve our side thrust kicks (yoko-kekomi-geri). A lot of this involved teaming up with a partner, clasping hands, and doing the kick (held at extension) with opposite legs. You'd think, what with both of you off-balance, that the other person would only make you fall down faster. And, indeed, this was sometimes the case. But more often than not the other person was actually a source of support and aid, such that when it came time to do the move on our own, it was quite difficult. It just goes to show that when you've got two people working together, even if neither of them are great on their own, can support each other and together become mutually better.
#227: The spirit guides the body
When we got to the point where we were doing the side kicks on our own, a lot of people were having problems. One guy in particular -- a large guy with very powerful kicks -- was having quite a hard time of it. Even though he has a lot of power, he was having trouble lifting his leg high enough and keeping it there. The sensei pointed out that while sometimes the body has a mind of its own (like when it's sick), a lot of times it's the mental that guides the physical. If you think, "my leg is light as a feather," it won't literally become light as a feather, but it may very well feel lighter. If you think, "I'm competent at this technique," you may actually do it better. It's not foolproof, and sometimes the body does just tell you it won't go another step further, but you'd be amazed at how far a little mental guidance can take you.
#228: If an expert gives you an answer, don't dismiss it out of hand
We have two medical doctors who train at our dojo. Yesterday, we got into a discussion about balance and the factors that affect balance. Someone mentioned sight, which is clearly a large factor (try standing on one leg with your eyes closed if you don't believe me). The sensei then asked, "Well, what about blind people? Are they just falling down all the time?" He solicited the two doctors for their opinion. The answer he wanted was obviously, "It's also tied to the inner ear." But both of them hedged their bets, saying something along the lines of, "It's more complicated than that." Now, I'm not a medical expert and I don't even play one on TV, but if both the people you're specifically asking for their expert opinion give you the same answer, you should probably listen to them, even if it's not the answer you want. Otherwise, all you're looking for is yes-men.
#226: Everything is easier with support
We spent quite a lot of tonight's class working on techniques to improve our side thrust kicks (yoko-kekomi-geri). A lot of this involved teaming up with a partner, clasping hands, and doing the kick (held at extension) with opposite legs. You'd think, what with both of you off-balance, that the other person would only make you fall down faster. And, indeed, this was sometimes the case. But more often than not the other person was actually a source of support and aid, such that when it came time to do the move on our own, it was quite difficult. It just goes to show that when you've got two people working together, even if neither of them are great on their own, can support each other and together become mutually better.
#227: The spirit guides the body
When we got to the point where we were doing the side kicks on our own, a lot of people were having problems. One guy in particular -- a large guy with very powerful kicks -- was having quite a hard time of it. Even though he has a lot of power, he was having trouble lifting his leg high enough and keeping it there. The sensei pointed out that while sometimes the body has a mind of its own (like when it's sick), a lot of times it's the mental that guides the physical. If you think, "my leg is light as a feather," it won't literally become light as a feather, but it may very well feel lighter. If you think, "I'm competent at this technique," you may actually do it better. It's not foolproof, and sometimes the body does just tell you it won't go another step further, but you'd be amazed at how far a little mental guidance can take you.
#228: If an expert gives you an answer, don't dismiss it out of hand
We have two medical doctors who train at our dojo. Yesterday, we got into a discussion about balance and the factors that affect balance. Someone mentioned sight, which is clearly a large factor (try standing on one leg with your eyes closed if you don't believe me). The sensei then asked, "Well, what about blind people? Are they just falling down all the time?" He solicited the two doctors for their opinion. The answer he wanted was obviously, "It's also tied to the inner ear." But both of them hedged their bets, saying something along the lines of, "It's more complicated than that." Now, I'm not a medical expert and I don't even play one on TV, but if both the people you're specifically asking for their expert opinion give you the same answer, you should probably listen to them, even if it's not the answer you want. Otherwise, all you're looking for is yes-men.