When I first started training, there was a single black belt in the class that my instructor referred to as “Steve the Marine”. I’m not sure if he actually was a marine, but he had crisp technique, a no-nonsense attitude, and very hard shin and forearm bones. He provided a clear example of excellence, a goal to strive for. He graduated not long afterwards, so I didn’t get to train with him much, but he left quite an impression. I remember him being methodical and patient in his instruction and never rushed us in teaching the basics.
It’s reasonable as we gain rank (whether in martial arts or at our employment) to feel the desire to climb the ladder, so to speak, so we can get to that next level quickly. In that rush it can be easy to forget what we had learned before, only to retain the newest, shiniest skill we had just acquired. It’s only when we are evaluated, or when we self-reflect, that we realize that those skills we had learned so long ago were foundational to the skills we are learning today.
Take the basic front punch, for example. We want it to be fast because we want our technique to have power; but if we do not twist our wrist at the right time, or if we do not close our fist completely, we can easily injure ourselves when we actually hit a target. Slow down your punch, as if punching through molasses or pulling against a rubber band, and critically examine your technique: are you turning your wrist at the proper point? Are you hitting with the proper knuckles? Are you relying solely on your triceps, or are you utilizing your shoulder, hip, and leg muscles to generate power? This form of training isn’t just for beginners; it is just as valuable for experienced practitioners as well.
Let’s look at the broader journey: are you impatient to get to the next rank? Consider the path before you and what steps are needed between yourself and your destination. Each step should be considered carefully and thoughtfully, but not to the point of paralyzing yourself due to indecision; you need to take that next step eventually! This journey isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon, and your success isn’t based on how fast you get to your goal, but the accumulation of work and dedication you put into getting to your goal.
