Gathering Drive from Disappointment

[Truestar]

Well we had another group of students go through their last day of testing today, and of course leftover blocks at the end went to us black belts.

I attempted four with a descending elbow, I broke three a few months ago (I think I posted about it) without any problem. Today? Two and a half.

So I'm sitting here knowing what went wrong. I didn't properly prepare, four blocks isn't a joke like one is. I should have been hitting something a little bit a week before to gather strength and bone density. I could have followed through more...

Overall I'm a little disappointed with myself. And I am sitting here with a drive to finally bring myself to the next level. I reached black belt, I'm finding I'm ready for the next step. Time to really start being one. Anyone else find a new drive or desire to push themselves from a minor bump in the road?

[Grego]

being able to break blocks isn't really important to martial arts.

Its good to be able to, but you shouldn't judge your ability based on how many blocks you can break.

Maybe you just hit it wrong or something. You're not any less a martial artist because you didn't break through the third.

[Truestar]

being able to break blocks isn't really important to martial arts.

Its good to be able to, but you shouldn't judge your ability based on how many blocks you can break.

Maybe you just hit it wrong or something. You're not any less a martial artist because you didn't break through the third.

I disagree.

While the number of blocks one can break does not reflect their overall martial ability it still reflects the derivation of power, the focus and concentration needed to execute a technique to its maximum potential.

The disappointment comes from the fact this wasn't my first time trying four, and I knew I would be trying four for a couple weeks now. Meaning I had plenty of time to prepare myself and nail it no problem.

My dissatisfaction comes from my lack of understanding of what I should have expected. I knew it would be tough, but I also knew it was something I wanted and was going to do. So as a martial artist, I should have done more to prevent the incompletion of my break.

[bushido_man96]

There are many opinions on the value of breaking in the Martial Arts, and is probably best left to discussion in a thread focused on such.

However, I do understand what you are saying about hitting those bumps in the road that make you feel like you should be "there." I think we all hit those bumbs, from different angles, and they are the kinds of things that make us sit up and realize that we can be better, and now we know it.

You have to wonder if, without failure, can we learn as much from our successes?

[ps1]

WOW!!!! THIS IS SOOOOO GREAT!!!!

Do you realize what you've found? I'm not sure you do!! It's an opportunity to improve. Not only that...it's several opportunities to improve. First, you need to improve your attitude. That is to say your overconfidence in your skills. You've learned that if you don't constantly hone them...they begin to fade away. Second, you have learned that you will constantly come upon bumps in the road. Some you will swerve and miss. Others, however, you hit and flatten a tire. You can either stop and give up...or fix the tire and keep on truckin'.

Never be discouraged by failure. You learn very little from success. But failure is the ultimate learning tool. Congratulations and keep up the hard work. They day you stop failing is the day you stop learning. When that happens...what's the point?

[Traymond]

WOW!!!! THIS IS SOOOOO GREAT!!!!

Do you realize what you've found? I'm not sure you do!! It's an opportunity to improve. Not only that...it's several opportunities to improve. First, you need to improve your attitude. That is to say your overconfidence in your skills. You've learned that if you don't constantly hone them...they begin to fade away. Second, you have learned that you will constantly come upon bumps in the road. Some you will swerve and miss. Others, however, you hit and flatten a tire. You can either stop and give up...or fix the tire and keep on truckin'.

Never be discouraged by failure. You learn very little from success. But failure is the ultimate learning tool. Congratulations and keep up the hard work. They day you stop failing is the day you stop learning. When that happens...what's the point?

Ps1 is about the only one I agree here with, other than Bushido Man, as he usually takes a side of neutrality stating that their are various points of view. But overall I think its just a sign of showing that everyone must and everyone needs to improve themselves and continue to stride to succeed in martial arts as well in everything you do. I mean if you can break one block, is it not better than none?...BUt always strive for the next one, dont think of it as a dissapointment, think of it as something you need to look forward to do later on in life.

[Truestar]

I buttered through 3 blocks at a demonstration literally without a problem, nor any stinging afterward and it hardly swelled.

I'm thinking I'll be ready for 4 this weekend at a tournament.

[bushido_man96]

Sounds good. Congrats on the break. Keep up the good work, and keep your goals in sight.

[furry_Homeboy]

To quote the Bubishi, "Despair is the conclusion of fools. Tomorrow’s success is built upon yesterday’s failures." When we feel dissapointed we most often can either become upset and not do anything about it, or view it as an opportunity to learn and be happy for the chance to do better next time.

[sensei8]

I'm a firm believer in Tameshiwara, yet, this should have no bearing in ones martial arts abilities at all...ever! You said it all in your title of this topic...Gathering Drive from Disappointment! Drive leads to success!

Besides, boards don't hit back...unless you do it wrong!