So… I’m on the low end of Intermediate, and there I was this past weekend in my third tournament in the Intermediate/Advanced division. My first round I got spanked pretty good by a black belt. I was standing ringside sweating and watching the combatants when I realized…
Right there not three feet away from me was the head of our organization. So I waited for him to stop speaking (in Japanese) to my erstwhile opponent (who was standing beside and slightly behind me). Then I acknowledged him with a bow. Oh golly, had he seen me get clobbered?
Yep, he had, as his comment to me indicated.
As he walked past me he said, “Good job.”
Whaaaaaaaaaat? I haven’t been around him much, haven’t been formally introduced to him, and really the only indication that I have anything to do with him is the patch on my gi. Because I wore either a red or a blue tournament belt, there was no indication of my rank except my ability or lack thereof. I guess he figured out that if I’m a stranger to him and I got spanked by a black belt guest from Japan, I must be on the lower end of “Intermediate,” and therefore a kind word from him would be constructive. I sure did appreciate it!
My second round I fought a brown belt from another style whom I fought last tournament. My own Sensei had plenty to say about that fight, and yeah, I could’ve done better. However, that feedback came with a promise – “We’ll work on that.”
When you’re lower than dirt, well, there’s nothing to do but to get going on germinating the seeds of your potential. I’m looking forward to seeing the seedlings poke their heads above the earth.
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Well said. And yes….surprising what people say sometimes and what they assume from your actions. I was in the same position at the Gasshuku tourney and evidently what I did showed spirit and courage yada yada…I had no idea I wd be the only non first kyu in my div and we don’t have age divs so I fought someone half my age….I doubt I would have done anything differently had I known but that isn’t the point…..the fact that noone thought I was crazy or an upstart for entering was good, the fact noone laughed at me was great and the fact that everyone (including all the sensei tachi and shihan etc) came up to congratulate me after was as heartwarming as it was surprising! There are no mistakes, only lessons. (Sharma) Osu.
Ossu, Rach! It’s so neat how I can look at your blog and see my future, LOL 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and as always, thanks for your encouragement 🙂