MARCH 2017
Self-motivation…what does it mean? There’s a simple definition for a complex subject: Self-motivation is an inner drive that compels behavior. What makes it complex, however, is that little word “inner,” because what works for me may not w
ork for someone else, and vice-versa. There are, however, some common denominators; some basic fundamentals when it comes to motivating ourselves. These fundamental ideas have worked for successful people. As we know, it’s not what is said, but how a statement is said that can turn the switch from “off” to “on.” One idea, if you are ready for it, can change one’s life forever. Just remember…people are like sticks of dynamite; the power is on the inside but nothing happens until the fuse is lit.
A few days ago a professor at Warren County Community College shared a small book with me because he heard talking to my class about positive imaging and improving their performance. Below is a small summary about a part of an article in the book.
What Is Your Pebble?” from The Pebble in the Shoe by Jim Fannin
Everyone has had a pebble in his or her shoe. There may have more than one. These pebbles are the small, nagging, thoughts that eventually cause lack of motivation and stress. Some pebbles have been hidden, undetected for years. Others push, prod, and make their presence felt every day. Each pebble intrudes into the lives of the unsuspecting. At different times in life the pebbles arrive. Although they are small and mostly undetected, they represent many unresolved thoughts, images and experiences. Some are pebbles of doubt. They form from a single thought that occurred years, months or weeks before. Some pebbles are lodged only in business, school or training shoes. Some reside in one’s house slippers that are tucked under one’s bed. Some pebbles find their way into the shoes worn by a parent. Unfortunately, some pebbles travel in all of our shoes regardless of where we walk or run. Some pebbles are because of fear. Others are created from guilt or rejection. Maybe not today, but they eventually arrive unannounced and usually at the most inappropriate time. What challenges do they present?
To run the marathon race of life at the most efficient speed, one must be free of embarrassment, guilt, rejection, fear, envy, jealousy, anger, impatience, frustration and worry. Pebbles can be lodged in any shoe, from a pair of loafers worn by a city dweller in Manhattan, to a pair of boots on a farm in Montana. These intangible pebbles are crippling. They destroy relationships. They contribute to overeating and gaining unhealthy weight. They coax us into drugs, alcohol and other addictions. They destroy families and alienate friends. They thwart the potential of our children and physically snuff extra years from our life. These are the pebbles in our shoes.
The pebble can cause one to quit or perform with complete indifference. It can help instigate a fight or add disrespectful silence to an otherwise dynamic relationship. Even the desire for fame, fortune or power can turn into a pebble if left undetected. Most pebbles stir up the past, cloud the future and keep the present to a blink of the eye. Like a garden that has been freshly tilled, a pebble can reappear without warning or detection. Prevention and removal are the only options for simplicity, balance and abundance. Each of us must work to clear the mind of indecision, uncertainty, confusion and fear?
How do these thoughts relate to our Isshin-ryu Karate training?
The key words are Self-motivation, inner, fear and rejection.
The intrinsic (inner) nature of karate shows much about the development of an individual. Unlike many activities where the awards come frequently, traditional training rewards inward growth as well as progress through the ranks. There are health benefits to continued study. By mastering ourselves in our training, we can learn to master other aspects of our lives. Personal, financial, or professional success is not beyond the capabilities of a disciplined martial artist. These benefits may be seen and touched. The unseen and intangible benefits of philosophical study nourish the individual’s spirit and are even more meaningful. These help the student (young or old) to build confidence within the individual, knowing he or she must perform the skills individually, not relying on others to support one’s abilities. Understanding aesthetics (what is beautiful), ethics (what is good), metaphysics (what is being), and epistemology (what is knowledge) can provide the karate student the ability to understand what is true and beautiful and can deliver the wisdom and the strength to know what is just and what is right.
The study of karate is a journey in martial arts training and within one’s being, which needs self-motivation. The greatest success is experienced not over an opponent, but internally as we begin to understand ourselves. Karate builds one’s balance of body, mind and inner spirit. Karate teaches lessons of life, starting in the dojo and then following each individual into his or her daily life. Attitudes and feelings developed and expressed in the dojo tell everything about one’s behavior. In the long history of martial arts, practitioners have used their physical skills as a means of building mental, emotional and physical skills. The art is primarily a path towards personal fulfilment rather than a primary means of self-defense and self-satisfaction.
Karate and its martial arts forerunners are historically linked with Zen philosophies where people achieve enlightenment through everyday activities. By experiencing every moment for itself and leaving the mind open to all experiences, inner peace is found. The cornerstone of these philosophies is being in-tune (mushin) with the world around the individual.
KING’S KARATE TOURNAMENT – SUNDAY, MARCH 26th – NEWTON HIGH SCHOOL
OUR 32nd BENEFIT TOURNAMENT – SUNDAY, APRIL 23rd – HACKETTSTOWN H.S.
Information at the dojo
Congratulations to the people who earned promotions since our last newsletter. Ellalynn Aten – Junior Orange Belt, Kassandra and Samantha Lee – Junior Yellow Belt.
AMERICAN ISSHINRYU INC., IS BEGINNING TO CREATE A BENEFIT TO PEOPLE ATTENDING ASSOCIATION EVENTS. STUDENTS THAT PARTICIPATE IN TOURNAMETNS AND SEMINARS MAY RECEIVE POINTS TOWARD POSSIBLE RECOGNITION AT THE END OF THE SEASON DINNER.
AMERICAN ISSHINRYU, INC.
2017 Circuit Participating Events
American Isshinryu Point Circuit Qualifying Tournaments
King’s Karate Tournament – $5 AI Discount
Sunday, March 26, 2017; Newton High School
More Information: Call 973-786-5199
Isshinryu School of Karate
32nd Benefit Tournament – $5 AI Discount
Sunday, April 23, 2017; Hackettstown High School
More Information: isshin-ryu.com
AOKAINC 60th Anniversary Tournament & Dinner
Saturday, October 14th, 2017
More Information: isshinral@yahoo.com
West Chester Fall Classic
Saturday, October 21, 2017
More Information: www.tokidojo.com
Qualifying Seminars
Master Toby Cooling @ NJ Martial Art Academy $20/$15
Friday, February 24, 2017 6:30pm – 8:45pm
More Information: Call 973-770-4555
Soke Michael Depasquale @ Paskiet Martial Arts Academy $5 AI Discount
Saturday, April 22, 2017 9am – 3:30pm (2 Seminars!)
More Information: Email sensei@paskietmartialarts.com
Tournament Circuit Points
5 points for each division entered
30 points for each first place
20 points for each second place
10 points for each third place
Seminars (non-tournament)
Circuit Points
15 points for each individual seminar attended
APPLICATIONS ARE AT THE DOJO – SEE HANSHI
