I remember feeling nervous for my first class: a room full of men, a contact sport, and a lack of coordination. The instructor begins to demonstrate a move. The move appears to be simple, but the amount of details keep piling up. I think to myself, “How am I going to remember all of this?” After watching the move three times, I attempt the move with confidence that I can mirror the instructions, but I forget some of the details in the attempt. The move feels clunky. I know I had missed something. The instructor approaches to review my work, and points out a key detail I had forgotten. I attempt the move again. The move feels more fluid, and I acquire the desired position more easily. I try a couple more, and each one shows improvement. This is the essence of martial arts and learning in general: practicing, improving technique, and acquiring a better outcome.
I started in May of 2016. I am just beginning my journey in the martial art life-style, and I have so much more to learn. I am happy that I started when I did, but I do wish that I would have started my journey sooner. Time is the only true currency on the mats. In the beginning, the opponents’ weight and strength could defeat me, but through practicing and improving technique those characteristics are no longer a great threat to me. I am confident in my technique, and I have answers to actions and reactions. Everyday that I practice, my answers seam together more and more, and rolling becomes more fluid. I have muscle memory for things that I struggled with before. I no longer think about that technique. I naturally react. In the short amount of time that I have been practicing, it’s really quite beautiful to be able to observe those little pieces of progress. I can only imagine how far I will progress. Sometimes, I wish I already knew it all, but what would be the fun in that? I am excited to see what the future holds for our academy! I will see you on the mats!
