Adam Trees, Carlos Machado, Gilbert Ariza
The title of this piece deals with the importance of handling the day to day life, in order to be prepared for life itself.
When it comes to our work ethics, little things done on a consistent basis will, in the long run, yield results greater than sporadic bursts. We live in a culture that does not instill individual commitment to anything for a period of time long enough to see the benefits of any given activity.
The short term mentality is what prevails, getting something with little effort, little time, and having all the perks along the way before switching into something else. That is a distorted way of thinking, maybe exacerbated by the celebrity stories that run amok in the tabloids, giving the impression that anyone who sends an application to American Idol will end up with a record label.
On the same token, a student at the dojo will not become competent, nor advanced enough into the program, and eventually become a Black Belt unless there is a degree of dedication to sustain him to that level. It is not an easy road, and there will be many blocks along the way. Each challenge can be an opportunity to reaffirm a commitment, or an incentive to just quit, as is the case with most similar situations we see in regards to other activities. Parents might even be behind that, trying to get their children under so many different activities, that it leaves no room for the child to focus on a single one. The pressure is so great, and time so flimsy.
Our civilized world allows us to be mediocre if we want to; the world will be okay with it. Just make enough effort to get by, and use up all the remaining time and energy for leisure, and whatever is fashionable. Unless there is a motivation factor for the student to pursue the noble goal of attaining mastery of an art, he will eventually succumb to the pressures of society, family, or life’s obstacles, and interrupt the journey before maturing into it. That is a choice, and it tends to become a pattern if left unchecked.
We, today, can afford to live like that, but that was not the case at other times in our history.
Warriors of medieval times never knew what stability was. The power struggle among the warring nations would often drag armies left and right against each other. Citizens would not have that much to choose from either. A man could tend to herds, or join his forces with others to repel invaders or conquer neighboring lands. The option of inactivity meant losing his family and homeland.
In times like that, preparation from early age to the harsh realities of life was a necessity. As a youngster grew mature, it would not be uncommon for him to see the worst of what life had the offer before any glimpse of a better day. That forced him to take very seriously his idle time, which was not much to start with. The honing of his skills, and the health of his body was the main concern. He could not choose when or who to fight, the only thing he could do was to be as ready as possible for when that time came. We read about that in history books, we watch in amazement at films with big productions (like Troy or 300), we even forget the incredible hardship our countrymen have endured in recent times.
Martial arts can be a hobby, a passion, a career, or a lifetime goal. For every aspect, there is a degree of commitment involved. Instructors and parents who push the children too fast too soon will not get them to go too far. The longevity of a martial artist includes all of the aspects inherent to its nature. Initially, a hobby can turn into a passionate activity, that eventually transforms into a lifetime goal, and occasionally for some, a career path. A student may be capable of taking advantage of some or all of those possibilities, as long as the support system behind him go along with that goal. There will be certain individuals out there that from the beginning will display the desire to go for the long run, although they are fewer and rare. Most will reflect the standard characteristic of initial excitement until more effort becomes expected for further progress, or competing activities take away their attention from it. Those sensitive times require a lot of tacticfulness from the instructor. Below I list a few personal notes I have come up with, after some trials and errors, both as a student, and eventually as an instructor.
1) A student is a candidate for quitting unless provided with enough incentive to go on.
Structured classes, consistency from Instructor and staff, communication between student and Instructor (someone missing class for a while, or in need of private time to consult with someone over training concerns). A path laid out for the advancement of the student, as a martial artist, and if desired, as a professional martial artist.
2) An environment of cooperation among students:
In a class environment, what counts is not the amount of classes, how big the classes are, who instructs the classes. From instructor to the last one in class, everyone should know what to expect, and what to do. Instructors carry the lesson plan, assistants spend time learning those plans at classes apart, for the purpose of being more capable of grasping, and helping others to grasp, the material taught by the head instructor. The students should be on time, ready to help if needed, waiting for the time to ask questions when appropriate, and be mindful of other students’ needs and instructor’s expectations. The attitude is to be a source of encouragement among one another, instead of competition against each another.
3) What happens outside the mat will also influence what happens on the mat:
Instructors can be outnumbered when it comes to all the other competing factors which can affect the commitment of a student at any given time. Other sport activities, additional extra-curricular activities, parents pressure, peer pressure, depression, academic exams, health concerns, and so much more. All of those aspects separately or combined can alter the mindset of a student towards his training. What is pleasurable can become a drag. Instructors and staff have to be aware of any change on the student’s demeanor, in order to avert a possible outcome detrimental to his goals.
4) Preparation is a priority for success, on the mat and off!
Students will learn from the outset of training that in order for them to get somewhere, steps must be taken. Let’s use gaining rank for an example; there is a need for them to attend a certain number of classes, and become proficient to a certain degree over a number of techniques critical to their future advancement. If a school graduates students at different periods of time, there must be a set time and skill description for that occasion. The instructor and staff must manage the classes ensuring each member is up to date with the material that will be required for their next level. If a student, after all is said and done, does not show enough disposition and skills to justify a different rank, I recommend that he/she waits for another opportunity to show his knowledge, and allow us to work more diligently to ensure that he will have what it takes to successfully go through his/her evaluation. A bit more work, for a lot more result. The worst thing is for an instructor to acknowledge rank to someone who is not ready.
I conclude by saying that we live in a wonderful world, which is surely full of troubles, but still allows us as individuals to progress and attain unheard levels of accomplishments. Yet, it is also true that with all the comfort we are afforded with, complacency is not uncommon. Next time we go to see a movie of the ancient warriors from the past, it would be of use to remind ourselves of how much less they got, and how much more they had to be prepared for. It was a matter of plain survival. Our struggle, on the other hand, is not of a physical survival to that same degree, but more of how to prevail as a successful role model and business martial artist, teaching and sharing the values of the art, and the possibilities of what we do. We do not choose when to fight, but we know how to prepare for when the challenge is presented to us. Victory is the consequence of much effort and preparation way before the situation arises. We can say the same of success, or whatever other arena of life we use as an example of fulfilling a goal. Instructors face the dual tribulation of being successful on their own right, and passing onto others that same ability, one step at the time! So, do not waste any more time, and get ready for it!
My best to everyone, and see you soon on our next issue!
Carlos Machado
