Another pep talk

Today, a new quarter begins at De Anza College, where I assist the karate class. Last quarter I gave a little talk that warned people of budget cuts and a shorter class leading to more responsibility on them. It sort of worked - people were motivated, but it only lasted for two weeks...

I'll be giving another talk tonight, and the concepts I'm bringing up can relate to a lot of other things, not just karate or martial arts:

• When an instructor gives you a comment, take it to heart. Too many people are getting the same comments over and over and yet not really working on fixing things. Those issues don't magically go away, and when you fail a belt test because of them, you only have yourself to blame.

• Push your cardio more in class. This one is a bit more class-specific, because we've lost 1/3 of our class time. However, when people test, the adrenaline and stress of having a panel of black belts watching makes them push a lot harder. That leads to getting tired a lot quicker! Since you're doing what you'll be tested on during practices, why not push yourself during those practices? Beats sucking wind 15 minutes into a 60-75 minute test (or performance).

• Every technique should be better than the last one. More than anything, this is a mindset. To not think in this way leads to "going through the motions"; holding yourself back. Too many people are so worried how their technique looks that they've forgotten how it should feel. Yes, technique is often the most important thing, but technique without speed and intention behind it is empty motion.

• Train to inspire those around you. Like it or not, unless you're the new person/people in the group, you're a role model for at least someone (if not several others). It's not just the instructors watching you, it's people junior to you as well. They look at you to show them how they should train and what they should expect. Do you want to leave a legacy of holding back and being lax? Or a legacy that achieving something is not only meaningful, but takes effort?

I want people to know clearly that I'm not there to tell them "you suck, here's why." That's not my style, in fact, quite the opposite. There's a lot of untapped potential in students! I always hope people want to get better, but it's important to know that wanting to get better isn't enough - you have to MAKE it happen.

As an instructor, all I can do is give you information. I can give you a map, circle the destination, and show you the best route. You still have to get in the car and drive there! The more you wait for someone else to get you there, the longer you postpone your own progress.

Make it happen.