Go the Distance!

Do you go the distance? Do you do so regardless of the many roadblocks, potholes and obstacles you encounter to reach higher today then yesterday? This particular phrase can be heard in many disciplines and as a metaphor stimulates thoughts and idea's that one must have to achieve improvement and success in all life's endeavors be it work, study or the practice of karate-jutsu-do.

Many terms are bantered about to promote a discipline and mind-set for one to "go the distance." I place quotes of inspiration in a lot of observable places be it on the blog page, in a letter, a signature to email and messages and so forth to inspire me when I read it and to provide a source of inspiration to those who may see it and become interested. In the end tho that person has to look within and find a way to "go the distance" to achieve what ever it is they want to achieve.

If a person in the dojo achieves the black belt. If the Sensei and dojo mates all participate accordingly then the mind-set is there. If not and the new black belt quits then let them go for the dojo failed, the Sensei failed and the Sempai/Kohai failed their dojo mate and the dojo mate failed them all. Hard, unforgiving? Yes, but isn't this a part of improvement and going the distance.

Once this occurs we look at the moment as a test, shugyo and a means to either remain complacent or to take action to modify the mind-set and atmosphere, culture and beliefs of the dojo and set the mind to "go the distance!" If it works, the job is done and they all go the distance then the next black belt doesn't quit. They remain or go out and seek more in the world of the many systems, i.e. karate, aikido, kendo, art of tea, art of flower arrangement, or any other discipline that is a part of their new foundation.

Then again it may be the "reason" they discontinue that really counts. Sometimes all things are as they should be but someone still decides to stop practicing which begs the question, why? The reasons really matter only to the individual and the discontinuing of participation in the dojo should still be evaluated to ensure the facility it adhering to its core beliefs and processes, to make sure and to find more avenues of improvement.

In this case does the person who stops really stop being a karate-ka? Do they really stop using and applying their expertise in karate-jutsu-do? All things being equal they don't. Why is this, because it has become a part of them. It is their beliefs and culture enhanced by the training, practice and experience. Even when you quit if things were balanced, physical and mental, it can not help but influence change within the person.

I stopped being an active Marine a long time ago. I am still a Marine. I am still influenced by being a Marine today because the influences of the Marines are now a part of me like fingers and hands. This is true for me in karate as well. It could be true of those who even feel the need to stop participating in karate - martial arts.

It becomes a layer of skin, a new tactile feeling in our hands and feet, it has a special place and part of our heart, spirit and being - that can't be lost even if practice is.

So, how you see, hear and feel it when it happens is an intricate part of you as Sensei, your participants and the facilities overall influence - good, bad or indifferent, your choice at all times.

Waxing Philosophical over now :-)