I am attending the Monday and Wednesday night sessions at my dojang. There was a complete new set of students in the Wednesday night class - totally different than the Monday night class. I don't know why, but this surprised me. I was also surprised that I didn't work on forms tonight. We worked how to escape a choke hold and how to put someone in a sleeper hold. We punched and kicked, did punch combo's and kick combos. We ended class with 50 round kicks per leg.
Did I mention that when I woke up today I felt like I'd been beat up from head to toe? I seriously can't find a muscle that did not hurt! Now back to class...
I realized that with different people in every class, this is very much a solo sport. There are no collaborative class goals. My progress, or lack thereof, totally rests with me. Martial Arts principles teach that the only competition lies within and striving for one's personal best each day. I'm so accustomed to competing against every peer - for grades in grad school, for the promotion at work, etc - that it's a mental struggle for me to be concerned with only myself in class. I have to constantly temper the urge that arises to be better than the higher belt lady next to me, or kick the pad like harder than the man in front of me. Through this realization alone, I know that I have so much to learn about living the principles and traditions of martial arts.
I desire to obtain the peaceful discipline of the black belts and wonder if I will ever achieve this in my life. Can a "Type A / high strung" personality truly live the martial arts principles for a sustained period of time? This is a question that I can't answer yet. Time will only tell.
I am truly thankful for this moment in my life. While the nights away from my family is a sacrifice, I think being a better "me" will enhance my ability to be a better wife and mother.
Kihap! (spirited yell in martial arts)
Dedie
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