Do What I Say, Not What I Do

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Although not the best quote I could use here, it still tells a story such as the karate-ka of thirty plus years who professes adamantly that belts, ranks and tests are an obstacle to true study of karate-jutsu-do. Yet, that same karate-ka continues to take the tests, continues to wear what ever colored belt they have that symbolizes their rank, level or grade and finally they require testing of their students - Wassup with that?

If you have a belief, especially in karate and in the dojo, then your actions, deeds and beliefs should demonstrate that, shouldn’t they? How many speak of the term, “Traditional,” yet they incorporate many things not traditional or at least not to the perceptions of many. I like the one about being healthy, fit, and a warrior yet when they enter the dojo to teach they are way overweight, can hardly to the very things they require while exposing such things as, “When I was competing I could …” A larger karate-ka sensei does not mean not fit, not healthy and not able but that is a rarity. Hey, I am aging, in my early sixties, and although my life has been a fit, healthy and trim body style but recently even with all the hard work a little paunch is protruding from my waistline. I really don’t like removing my jacket to demonstrate sanchin but what the hey, I have standards Muahahahaha. 

I also like the guy who runs his dojo and requires his students to study and practice for a minimum of four to six years before being eligible for a black belt while his or her history demonstrates they achieved sho-dan in one or two years. They like to say, “Hey, I practiced a lot and had that innate talent so I got promoted early,” and I say, “Bullshit.” 

Oh, and lets not forget the karate-ka who left the dojo, didn’t train or practice at all and then came back, got in shape, trained for a while then miraculously achieved Shichi-dan or some such high ranking. I could accept that remaining true and dedicated to personal training, practice and study out of the mainstream of the karate community and the dojo would provide a certain type of understanding and personal growth but …

“Practice what you preach,” is a pretty good meme IF one lives and breathes the meme’s meaning every day, every week and every month of every single year but …

I advocate that if you ask someone to do something you should be able to do it, maybe not as well or as skillful and I also believe that even if you can’t you should be willing to step up side-by-side and do it together. There are so many things said and done without the backing and foundation of being experienced in what is said and what is done with a strong emphasis on that being an intricate part of your life and the way you  live. 

Yet, so many …

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