Valeria Fountain
New member
Before answering my question, be honest with yourself and ask yourself this......... Are you mastering what you are taught, or are you simply memorizing requirements for the next belt rank? Do you learn to imitate techniques, or are you really learning the techniques, and the applications of them by realistic training practice with a training partner?
Why am I asking this????
When my training began in the 1960's we were taught to never ask about rank testing or what was required. We were more concerned with being able to defend ourselves. We often fought full contact with a cup and supporter as the only safety equipment. Injuries were common. At least one person was bloody before class was over. One of the reasons we were not concerned with ranks is that we were always getting the stuffing beaten out of us. we were only concerned with getting good enough to stop from getting beat up so bad. When someone did get promoted, they were often quiet. In my case I would get almost sad. Each promotion meant that the intensity of the training would get higher. Often my fellow students and i would talk. we all seemed to feel the same way about being promoted. We would have mixed feelings. We would be proud, yet feel that we were not good enough to deserve the promotion. Testing was rare. Sensei would hold a promotion test when he felt it was warranted. We always felt that we were not prepared to test. but no one dared not show up for testing when told that we were to be tested. some passed, some failed. Sometimes failing a rank test taught us more than passing it. Those that quit after failing did not have what it takes anyway. Sometimes the best lessons are learned when we fail. but then it depends on if you see failing as failure, or an opportunity to find your weaknesses and fix them.
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Why am I asking this????
When my training began in the 1960's we were taught to never ask about rank testing or what was required. We were more concerned with being able to defend ourselves. We often fought full contact with a cup and supporter as the only safety equipment. Injuries were common. At least one person was bloody before class was over. One of the reasons we were not concerned with ranks is that we were always getting the stuffing beaten out of us. we were only concerned with getting good enough to stop from getting beat up so bad. When someone did get promoted, they were often quiet. In my case I would get almost sad. Each promotion meant that the intensity of the training would get higher. Often my fellow students and i would talk. we all seemed to feel the same way about being promoted. We would have mixed feelings. We would be proud, yet feel that we were not good enough to deserve the promotion. Testing was rare. Sensei would hold a promotion test when he felt it was warranted. We always felt that we were not prepared to test. but no one dared not show up for testing when told that we were to be tested. some passed, some failed. Sometimes failing a rank test taught us more than passing it. Those that quit after failing did not have what it takes anyway. Sometimes the best lessons are learned when we fail. but then it depends on if you see failing as failure, or an opportunity to find your weaknesses and fix them.
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