A River Is Just A River!

[sensei8]

One thing that was missed in the topic is that a river meets other rivers on the way. Each one learns something from each stream or creek no matter how small or how big.

Add at Sensei8's request.

I requested your post because when I read it at another forum here, it was in line of this topic and it was a solid post! Thanks for posting your profound thoughts! I thank all of you who've posted some very solid posts...and I deeply bow to each of you!

[Jeffrey]

No problem. I was thinking about you last night as we had our first night of grading. When I looked at the pool of sweat beneath my feet and said to myself the proof is on the floor I realized another stream had crossed my path. I held my head up high with that little grin on my face.

Thank you.

[sensei8]

No problem. I was thinking about you last night as we had our first night of grading. When I looked at the pool of sweat beneath my feet and said to myself the proof is on the floor I realized another stream had crossed my path. I held my head up high with that little grin on my face.

Thank you.

You're very welcome and I thank you for this post!

[JiuJitsuNation]

I am all about it! The journey to BB was all the fun. The moment I got it was emotional and yet fleeting. I learn every single day and continue to expand my knowledge of BJJ to pass on to my students. But there is a part of my life behind me. The journey was a wonderful experience and one I will forever relive in my memories of it. It is different now. The goals and journey less obvious now as BB seems to be the finish line and it isn't. It is a huge responsibility. People are in a hurry to get here, which is foolish to me. I have more to represent and uphold than ever before. To me all belts before were like my teen years, in the way of what is expected of you and required. Now it's like i'm an adult so to speak within my world of BJJ. I don't know if any of this is making sense or if anyone can see this through my eyes. lol I guess it's like they tell children... Don't be in a hurry to grow up.

[sensei8]

I am all about it! The journey to BB was all the fun. The moment I got it was emotional and yet fleeting. I learn every single day and continue to expand my knowledge of BJJ to pass on to my students. But there is a part of my life behind me. The journey was a wonderful experience and one I will forever relive in my memories of it. It is different now. The goals and journey less obvious now as BB seems to be the finish line and it isn't. It is a huge responsibility. People are in a hurry to get here, which is foolish to me. I have more to represent and uphold than ever before. To me all belts before were like my teen years, in the way of what is expected of you and required. Now it's like i'm an adult so to speak within my world of BJJ. I don't know if any of this is making sense or if anyone can see this through my eyes. lol I guess it's like they tell children... Don't be in a hurry to grow up.

Thank you for your most solid post! You spoke to my heart, and you spoke to my own journey, past, present, and future!

[senseikellam]

The goals and journey less obvious now as BB seems to be the finish line and it isn't.

When I read your post, not just the part above, but, all of it; I was touched.

The only thing I can say is:

And, the journey continues!

[bushido_man96]

One thing that was missed in the topic is that a river meets other rivers on the way. Each one learns something from each stream or creek no matter how small or how big.

Add at Sensei8's request.

Very good point. Like learning other styles to add to your tool box.

[Jay]

Its very true. In our results orientated society we often look to much at the ends and don't enjoy the means.

“A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at.” B. Lee

[Dobie1979]

Just to expound on that profound statement, the student of a martial discipline is a lot like a river in other senses as well. A river moves at different rates throughout it's length. Some areas are calm and slow moving, some are faster and smooth, some are crashing through rough areas in the form of rapids.

When a new student first starts out they are like that fast moving smooth section. Steady moving at a quick rate to learn the basics. If they practice hard they might hit a revelational period where things start to click for them (rapids).

Every martial artist has hit or will hit a point where they don't feel like they feel like they have hit a plateau as well. You are moving but you don't think you are getting any farther. This is like the slow moving calm section of the river, and these are some of the most crucial times to keep plugging at what you do. You may not feel like you are getting anywhere but you are still moving forward on your journey. So many students use this as a time to think they've tapped out that system and quit to start up at a new school.

I don't believe there is anything wrong with cross training or moving from school to school if you want to but I have seen that the people that push past those slow progressing times end up being a far more skilled practitioner of their style bettering themselves as a whole.

Sorry to ramble on like that, but I found that statement to be inspirational and wanted to share a bit.

CTTKDKing,

Did you get this from Black Belt magazine? I think I read the same article, I thought it was great also.

I really like the part about when things get slow and someone may want to go train at another school. That hits home.

[evergrey]

I have actually been entertaining the thought of never ranking up at all. Or perhaps not ranking up for a couple of years. For some reason, this really appeals to me. I still want to advance in my training. I just don't feel the need to have a set end-goal, and instead simply wish to always continue to train and improve.