Humility (ow)

[Devin]

I'm not sure if it's for better or for worse, but lately I've found myself walking into what end up being very humbling (if not outright discouraging) experiences. I participated in my first tournament last weekend, and had to fight in the division above mine because I wasn't written down in the one I ought to have been in.

Needless to say I was rolled and that was that.

Two days later in class, the gentleman I was sparring with accidentally (I hope) gave me a foot in the head that seems to have taken with it most of my memory of sparring with him. But it occurs to me that at this point in time I'm a lot less likely to walk into a fight that I'm not ready for. Perhaps a good asskicking is what it takes to work up the will to improve.

Anyone else find themselves particularly motivated after being discouraged to the point of wanting to quit?

[Tom Yum]

Hey Devin, don't give up.

Everyone whos ever trained in the fighting arts have been humbled at some time or another....just when you think you're getting good, someone better takes you down...lol. But you learn.

If you have megawork load or busy school situation, sure put the training on hold but otherwise learn from your mistake, get back in shape and get in there.

The first time I ever sparred was in boxing. I'd spent about 4 weeks learning the jab, cross and hook and got the techniques down pretty good. I'd even worked on a couple of sparring drills. My coach let me sparr this guy who was really good; we went at it and I tried to keep pressure - being the newbie, I got gassed near the end of the first round and very predictable.

I tried the old 1-2 and as I came in, he came over the top with his cross and it knocked the crap out of me. For the last 15 seconds of the first round , I shelled up like an exhausted turtle and he just maneuvered around to my sides and pummeled away at my body and head - I tried to throw back another punch, but just got nailed...lol.

I sat out after my 1 round wonder and just sat in a pool of sweat wondering if I'd ever learn. I came back, trained harder and had one of those breakthroughs- next couple of times I promised myself I'd finish an entire round and press the action. I trained for about 3 weeks to get myself in better condition and I DID IT!

Not only did I finish one round (seemed like forever), I allmost finished a second round!!!