By John E. Hughes
Do you remember playing “hide and seek?” I enjoyed it as a child and I liked playing it with my own children. You know how it works. One player closes his eyes and counts in a loud voice to some designated number. All the other players run and attempt to find a place to hide. When the counter finishes counting, he calls out, “Ready or not here I come!” and begins to try to find all those who are hiding.
When playing “hide and seek,” what kind of a hiding spot did you want to find? Most of us wanted the perfect place where no one could find us. But, did you ever find a spot that was so good, you could not be found? What did you begin to do after several minutes of not being discovered? You called out, made some noise, whistled, or threw something. Why did you do this? Because you had hidden in a spot that was so good, it was boring! You wanted to do something to bring a little excitement back into the game.
Some of our students are still playing hide and seek. They seek a place that is safe and secure and then hide there. “Hiding” is also being done by those who pretend to be putting forth an effort but are not truly trying to do the basics completely, with complete form and focused concentration. They do their basics, kata and sparring drills with a lack-luster effort. Over time, some people discover that these hiding places are so excessively safe, that they are boring. There is no excitement and little chance of being discovered, developed, or challenged. At some point, these people will make a decision to remain safely hidden or to make some noise. If they are content with being a mediocre student, they are happy. If they want to succeed and improve, they must decide to get involved, practice on their own and make a commitment to shine through use.
A disciplined, traditional karate dojo is the gathering place for individuals who don’t want to spend their lives hiding. It attracts those who want to make some noise, take some risks, and taste success.. These people are doing more than becoming part of the easy way. They are making a statement that they want to be active players in the game of life. It is a moment of boldness and courage. These people deserve to be respected. These karateka deserve our finest help and best assistance as they take continued steps on a journey that will wonderfully change their lives.
If I were to wear a hat, and at times I do when I am fishing or working around the farm, I would take it off to these individuals.
ARE YOU BORED? ARE YOU ENERGIZED AND ENTHUSED WHEN THINKING ABOUT GOING TO SCHOOL OR WORK, AS WELL AS COMING TO THE DOJO? NOW YOU HAVE A PROBABLE REASON WHY! ! !
Find a life that cherishes the SUN and leave the SHADOWS of mediocrity.
Dare to be MAGNIFICENT!
