Martial Arts and Complacency

[bushido_man96]

I would agree with that.

[RichardZ]

Like insurance, (or martial arts), we may strive to work at having it, but we muist not be lead to believe that it is the end all of not taking precautions to get better (policies or martial art skill)

[sensei8]

On the same page as Bob is, though, I think he means that by the journey being perpetual, you keep setting new goals, and keep striving....therefore, avoiding complacency.

BINGO!!!!!!!!!!!

Complacency is the evil twin of satisfaction!

How can I be satisfied with any technique(s) when they're imperfect from the start? I can't! Therefore, I must continue on my journey in order to find that one perfect technique, and in that journey, I'm not complacent in any shape, way, and/or form...no...I'm not complete in my totality towards any technique(s)!

I can do one punch 1 billion times or more, yet, I will not be satisfied...still...or ever!

[RichardZ]

Some say it is self-satisfaction. But , if it were, this would suggest and finite course?

[algernon]

I don't worry about complacency within myself . . .

Perhaps we could call this meta-complacency?

I try not to become complacent in my training, often times to the point of constanly wondering if I am good enough at all.

Be careful not to err too far on the side of caution. Opposite of complacency is insecurity, which could be equally dangerous. While complacency may lead to brash action, insecurity in your training may restrain your actions. Delivering good technique without authority and power is no better than performing poorly with confidence. That is why my previous post stressed a realistic and accurate assessment of your capabilities. Of course, I realize that this isn't what you meant, but your post made for a nice segue!

The best thing for complacency is a reality check, I would venture to guess.

I agree completely.

[bushido_man96]

I try not to become complacent in my training, often times to the point of constanly wondering if I am good enough at all.

Be careful not to err too far on the side of caution. Opposite of complacency is insecurity, which could be equally dangerous. While complacency may lead to brash action, insecurity in your training may restrain your actions. Delivering good technique without authority and power is no better than performing poorly with confidence. That is why my previous post stressed a realistic and accurate assessment of your capabilities. Of course, I realize that this isn't what you meant, but your post made for a nice segue!

You are right on the money there, and I wouldn't say that you are far off on your assessment, either. I do at times question myself to those dangerous levels of insecurity that you mention. Thanks for bringing this up.

[sensei8]

Complacency in the Martial Arts/Martial Artist is a oxymoron!

[RichardZ]

Oxymoron?

[sensei8]

Oxymoron?

Yepper! It's the old water and oil don't mix thing; they don't go together.

Oxymoron:

something (as a concept) that is made up of contradictory or incongruous elements

[RichardZ]

I know what it means, but is complacency as much as a oxymoron to martial arts/artists in such a display of wording?