Not just another Saturday morning
Back in June my son and daughter-in-law decided to start our three grandsons in Tang Soo Do, a form of karate that originated in Korea. At the time, there was a summer special going on that allowed dads (or grandpas) to participate for free for a couple months, so my son and I joined in, as did my daughter-in-law.
When summer ended, we all agreed that it was a great family activity. The 3-year old is in a class with younger kids. They are cute as can be, not quite knowing right from left yet. But that doesn't bother them because they don't know!
The rest of us, except for my wife (who has hip issues so watches the baby), are all together in the beginner class.
Our Saturday Morning
This morning we had our second "belt test". During each 3-month period, we learn a couple new hand techniques, kick forms, self-defense techniques, and a lengthier "world form". During the test, we do some of these individually and some with a group. If we pass, we move on to a new color belt, which is the goal, of course.
So what? At each test phase, we also are asked to do some combinations of the techniques and forms, often things that we really haven't practiced much or at all. That happened this morning!
Embarrassment Only Happens When You Think You Should Know
During the test, parents of the kids in the beginners class are sitting there watching us, plus there is a panel of 5-6 black belts who watch our techniques and grade us.
As an adult, it can feel embarrassing when we do these combinations because we are turning the wrong way, losing track of which thing comes next, and generally getting confused by the fact that we haven't practiced these combinations enough.
What's the Point?
Our instructor emphasized today that what we tend to remember is what we have done wrong. He reminded us that we will constantly be learning and always being tested and evaluated as we move up in belt levels, even when we get to multiple levels of black belt.
He reminded us that the important thing is to focus on what we have learned and done right.
It's a lot like this business!
Keep learning, make mistakes, focus on the positive. Then move forward.
Recent Comments
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Like the story and it's a really good lesson to remember. We do tend to focus on our faults and mistakes and we need to STOP and think of the GOOD things. Thanks for the reminder.
Yeah Allyn, and just think in our business, we don't have to be kicked or hit either, how's that for a positive.(((-; J
A great reminder to focus on the good, the positive and the accomplishments! Congratulations on your accomplishments in this class! :) Christa
Great blog Allyn. I make at least one mistake a day, just at this, but I do learn. Can't say I haven't repeated that same mistake, but I learn. Concentrate, focus and breathe, you will get through to the end.
Terrific message! When I get embarrassed about mistakes, it's just so easy for me to start avoiding. But the whole point is learning. Mistakes just mean I'm participating. Gotta remember this better.
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Very good point!