When we first start karate every part of it is new and exciting. Each time we grade we are introduced to new techniques and new kata. A couple of grades ago you even started your kumite journey.
Having reached Green belt, for the first time no new techniques or kata are introduced. Of course there is still a mountain of new principles to learn and much to refine, but without the fresh new batch of techniques to start working on, students may find their enthusiasm to get themselves to class is not always there.
“The magic is in the first few punches” is something Kancho Sullivan often talks about. What he means by this is that we all have those days where we don’t physically or mentally feel like putting on our gi and going to training. Even Kancho says he occasionally experiences this feeling!
It’s during these times that we need to remind ourselves, “the magic is in the first few punches”. By getting stern with ourselves and forcing ourselves to get to training, we suddenly find that once we start, and have thrown those first few punches, we suddenly feel completely motivated to train.
We suddenly feel alert and start training harder. It’s at this stage the body starts to perform and soon the brain becomes completely engaged in the training also. This works every time, provided we start pushing the stances and technique that little bit extra, and as we improve our competence so does our confidence. Competence=Confidence!
By the end of the class we are feeling great and we’re pleased we went. So remind yourself, “the magic in the first few punches”.
