My school has a lot of different people from many walks of life. No two personalities are the same and each student has their own hurdles to overcome in training. One surprisingly common hurdle that I see a lot is what I call the “athlete hurdle”. First of all, fighting is weird. Hands were not designed with the intention of closing and striking someone with. Tons and tons of motions appropriate to martial arts and fighting are contradictory to what our instincts would tell us. Sometimes, when we get an athlete in a dojo, they struggle with being uncomfortable. See, natural athletes (the ones who could catch a ball at four and run a half marathon without training) are used to success and quickly getting the hang of whatever sport they are attempting. Martial arts is unique, and just because you are athletic does not mean you will be a savant. Athletes without mental fortitude get frustrated and can be incredibly discouraged when dominated in a round with a seasoned martial artist. The ones that quit because of this frustration lack fortitude; the ones that stick with it and work through are some of the best students you can get.
Now let’s talk about Syd! Sydney Paulino is in her early 20’s, is nice (sometimes), unassuming (mostly), and feisty (always). When she started training her big struggle was with flinching. Syd would tense up her shoulders, close her eyes, and look away if I (the instructor) even looked like I was thinking about throwing a punch. It was bad, but it was normal. Most people react to the fear of getting hit by looking away and closing their eyes, but in martial arts it’s something you must overcome with experience and ring time. To be honest though, Syd was exceptionally “flinchy.”
When Syd and I would spar, I had a hard time telling whether or not she even enjoyed training. She seemed constantly anxious anytime we put gloves on. I wasn’t sure how long she would stick around for, but I did my best to work through it with her and keep her motivated. What I appreciate about this student is that she was relentless. In spite of the discomfort and her on again off again irritability, she kept coming and she kept sparring. Weeks went by, then months, and as of today she has improved tenfold. Syd has gained rank in the system, throws good combinations, and scraps! Also, she has a really nice and deceptive head kick. Life will always give you hurdles and challenges. To be successful in anything, whether that is work, education, or martial arts, one must be able to meet the challenges as an opportunity to grow and not turn away. Syd has fortitude and we love having her at The Academy.
Something given never carries as much value as when it is earned.
-Corey Williams
Now let’s talk about Syd! Sydney Paulino is in her early 20’s, is nice (sometimes), unassuming (mostly), and feisty (always). When she started training her big struggle was with flinching. Syd would tense up her shoulders, close her eyes, and look away if I (the instructor) even looked like I was thinking about throwing a punch. It was bad, but it was normal. Most people react to the fear of getting hit by looking away and closing their eyes, but in martial arts it’s something you must overcome with experience and ring time. To be honest though, Syd was exceptionally “flinchy.”
When Syd and I would spar, I had a hard time telling whether or not she even enjoyed training. She seemed constantly anxious anytime we put gloves on. I wasn’t sure how long she would stick around for, but I did my best to work through it with her and keep her motivated. What I appreciate about this student is that she was relentless. In spite of the discomfort and her on again off again irritability, she kept coming and she kept sparring. Weeks went by, then months, and as of today she has improved tenfold. Syd has gained rank in the system, throws good combinations, and scraps! Also, she has a really nice and deceptive head kick. Life will always give you hurdles and challenges. To be successful in anything, whether that is work, education, or martial arts, one must be able to meet the challenges as an opportunity to grow and not turn away. Syd has fortitude and we love having her at The Academy.
Something given never carries as much value as when it is earned.
-Corey Williams
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