Introverted/Extraverted Practitioners


It came to mind while reading a book on introversion and extraversion that this may be a valid reason why many drop out of the martial arts. We all assume that a person remains with a discipline like martial arts simply because they have a type of connection that appeals to the person but what if it has something to do with extraversion and introversion. 

Many of the dojo I have attended or visited seemed very outgoing, extraverted. Now, this does not mean that the practitioners were all extraverted since a lot of introverted people use extraversion when they need it but it may mean that many who feel forced into an extraverted atmosphere will feel a huge drain on energy, authenticity and even physical health. Unless they find a connection and then make the appropriate adjustments it costs a lot resulting in ending the training and practice. 

The following is a quote from that book related to introversion in the workplace. "Remember that one third to one half of your workforce is probably introverted, whether they appear that way or not. Think twice about how you design your organization's office space. Don't expect introverts to get jazzed up about open office plans, or for that matter, lunchtime birthday parties or team-building retreats. Make the most of introverts strengths - these are people who can help you think deeply, strategize, solve complex problems, and spot canaries in your coal mine."

It might benefit the dojo and those introverted participants if the dojo took the knowledge of introversion and extraversion as a part of their teaching model so that they make appropriate adjustments to embrace both at all levels creating an atmosphere that is conducive to utilizing the model to its maximum.

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