Judgement - more

Then there is "judgement" we seek from others, i.e. Sensei and the many organizations that may or may not govern the dojo practices. It seems that we as humans are always seeking some sort of approval to belong to a particular tribe which means those who have a higher position within all of these is going to be judging us as individuals. How strong is our need to belong determines the length one will go to achieve that approval through what ever criteria used to judge us for acceptance or rejection.

If our need is stronger than our desire to achieve a specified proficiency where the goals are adjusted to meet those needs then it may mean we are sacrificing much for judgements that accept us and our level or grades, etdfc. Then we have to decide if those sacrifices are worth it and the end result of our practice as judged by others is enough to reach our goals.

This brings up the goals. We must judge for ourselves if our goals are to meet the standards and practices of a true and complete traditional martial system or if we can live with the goals being dictated by others and their personally influenced criteria as to what constitutes proficiency and grading.

More importantly, from my view, is the self. We must try to achieve a level of knowledge and understanding outside any other person or groups judgment and opinions, etc. so we may seek to judge ourselves with our own unique criteria. Where one might judge their abilities to fight by how many opponents they defeat vs. how well one practices, teaches, and applies the martial fundamental principles in life and social or anti-social encounters, etc.

As to judging this also require self-judgement as to what we will accept or not accept. Start here first then once you decide/judge what is most important for YOU then proceed and never compromise on your beliefs or goals. Allow yourself to "judge" new things and allow for change if YOU judge it useful and necessary but not just for change sake.

The moment you allow others to judge and influence what you do you relinquish control of self and allow others that control. When it goes bad you can blame no one but yourself for you allow this so retain your self and your control, it is your practice; it is your life. Then again I tend to philosophize, yes?