Just train

On Saturday afternoon, during a break between the end of competition and the beginning of finals, Sensei Danny Gilliland and Sempai Kristin Gilliland took the time to critique some of Miriam's and my weapons and empty-hand kata. I was tired from judging, from competing, and from a long day after a late night. My back hurt. The last thing I wanted to do was wave some metal weapons around or attempt to move. Since I was going on to finals, I was ready to give myself some sort of lame excuse about needing to rest and conserve what little energy I had.

I'm glad I didn't flake out.

Instead, I reminded myself of how little time I have to receive direct instruction and how frustrated I've been over my sai kata. Here was the opportunity I'd been almost desperately awaiting. I wasn't being asked to go through some grueling, lengthy class. Just do a kata or two...

Afterwards, I felt rejuvenated. I had a list of things that I needed to work on. I'd had a number of corrections pointed out and suggestions given for ways that I could improve. Techniques had been explained to me. I felt as if I'd been given not only new information, but new tools.

The day before, two high-ranking black belt women had drawn me aside and given me some excellent advice for improving my bo kata.

This year at Nationals was not only fun, but I think that, at least for me, it represented the vision that Grandmaster Trias had when he originally founded the United States Karate Association---that martial artists of different schools and even styles would come together and learn from one another.

One of the things that I enjoy as a judge is the opportunity to "give back". Just as I've benefitted, and continue to benefit, from those who take the time to offer me suggestions for improvement, I try to do the same for others.

It was tempting to stay in bed this morning and not go to any seminars. But I knew I would regret that. I've never regretted training. I've never regretted learning something of value.

Just train. In season and out of season. Whether you feel like it or not. It's always worth the effort. Just train. Hhhhmmmm...maybe someone should put that as a slogan on the back of a t-shirt...