Comparing to others

[gzk]

Do you ever compare yourself to other MAers, such as classmates?

On one hand, I consider it a pointless exercise as you and your classmate will have a different backstory, different physical attributes, different experience in martial arts and sport in general, different commitments outside of MA, different capacity to train outside of class, etc. In my class for example we have people with years of karate, kickboxing, wing chun and jiu-jitsu training with people with no previous MA, some with no previous sport at all, some who may never have thrown a punch nor had a punch thrown at them in their lives. In one sense, what is important is how well you fulfill your potential, how skilled and how able you become as an absolute, rather than relative to your classmates, unless you are going to fight them (non-sportingly).

On the other hand, if your classmate is better than you, it might help you to think about why. Maybe your technique isn't quite right, maybe your approach needs changing?

What do you think?

[ps1]

I think it's only natural to compare yourself to others. As long as you don't hold the differences you see against that person, it's healthy.

"Maybe if I tried my kick like that" or "Perhaps I could set up my cross choke like him." Those are helathy comparisons that will make you grow as an artist.

"Why is he a black belt and not me?" or "I do that kata better, why is he demonstrating it for the class?" Those are negative and unhealthy comparisons.

Basically, if the comparison involves something you have control over, it's probably ok. If it's something outside your control, it can only serve to break you down and should be avoided.

[karatekid1975]

I agree with ps1. I compare myself to my instructor in a good way. She is so sharp with her technique (I'm a technique geek), it actually inspires me. But she has almost 30 years of training behind her! So, although, I may not be that good any time soon, I'll definitely try.

[IcemanSK]

I agree with the above thoughts. To compare one's self to a senior/ or more skilled person to encourage one's self & to emmulate them is a good & positive thing to do. To envy them or put yourself or that person down is not helpful & a waste of time. In my organization there are some teens & young adults who are half my age that do a lot of trick kicks. I couldn't do that stuff when I was their age & certainly can't do it now. However, I can look at them & appreciate their hard work. Maybe in turn, I encourage them as someone who's done this for a long time.

[bushido_man96]

I think it's only natural to compare yourself to others. As long as you don't hold the differences you see against that person, it's healthy.

"Maybe if I tried my kick like that" or "Perhaps I could set up my cross choke like him." Those are helathy comparisons that will make you grow as an artist.

"Why is he a black belt and not me?" or "I do that kata better, why is he demonstrating it for the class?" Those are negative and unhealthy comparisons.

Basically, if the comparison involves something you have control over, it's probably ok. If it's something outside your control, it can only serve to break you down and should be avoided.

Great post. I would have to agree.

I find that I compare myself to others in the class all the time. It helps me to keep pushing myself, to work hard, so that I can be my best. What is refreshing is that I know of a few of the students in the class that also look towards me in the same way, even though I compare myself to them. It reassures me, while at the same time pushes me to continue to improve.

[KarateEd]

Man, all these replies are good.

Comparing oneself to others for self improvement purposes is fine, but comparing oneself to others in order to confirm or reaffirm one's belief that he or she is a victim of some kind....not so good.

Ed

[lordtariel]

That's the way I feel. It's normal to compare yourself with others, and a little competition in good humor is a healthy thing. As long as you don't do it for ego, it's no big deal.

[jaymac]

I believe that comparing ourselves to others happens everyday in every situation: work, school, home, and the dojo. It doesn't mean that we feel superior to anyone, it is just a way to look at ourselves and try to be or not be like the other. It is a way to better ourselves.

[ninjanurse]

I agree here too. Comparison for the sake of self-improvement should be done otherwise the ego takes over. We must always keep in mind that there is someone better, faster, more powerful, etc., and constantly train to improve ourselves....and our students.

[lordtariel]

We must always keep in mind that there is someone better, faster, more powerful, etc., and constantly train to improve ourselves....and our students.

And they're usually waiting in the wings to knock you on your butt when you get too cocky.