In the karate dojo the other night, we ran a pre-test a week before the actual test a week later. I watched the class and made mental notes. And even though I could have spent 20 minutes telling each belt group what they should work on, I narrowed it down to this:
"The good news is that your technique is ok. The bad news is that your technique is ok."
Most people got it right away. The implication is that "ok" just isn't good enough. It's a C+ or a B-, a passing grade but hardly by much. And I see "ok" both in karate and taiko much too often for my tastes.
Most people won't push themselves every time they practice. However, falling into a pattern of "going through the motions" is dangerously easy to do. Watching yourself in the mirror during practice can lead to this, so can pacing yourself so that you're not sucking wind by the end of practice. Both of those examples are easy to justify, either as a way to fine-tune movements or to keep someone from having to sit out early. It's too bad they also limit you from growth, by limiting expression and endurance.
Relying on someone else to push you will get your technique to "ok". You need to push yourself - by yourself - to make it to "good" and above. Coasting never gets anyone anywhere, you have to navigate yourself to your goal!
"The good news is that your technique is ok. The bad news is that your technique is ok."
ReplyDeleteDude. Ouch. I cry for your students. Yeah, but I feel you on the post. But still...harsh.