Time once again for us martial arts bloggers to learn:
1) How NOT to make a case for or against someone or something
2) Why certain comments set our teeth on edge
3) How to stay focused when discussing our arts
White Belt Wally says, “I’m studying Karate, therefore I’m just like Bruce Lee! Watch me do a flying kick!”
SPLAT!!!
White Belt Wally has very little in common with Bruce Lee. The differences between him and Bruce Lee are vast, therefore White Belt Wally is using a weak analogy to argue that he can do a flying kick.
When the differences are minor, you have a strong analogy:
Sensei Sam says it is possible for a student in Hayashi-ha Shito Ryu Karate to adapt to Shindo Jinen-Ryu Karate fairly easily because the basics are very similar. Therefore, White Belt Wanda doesn’t have to fret about switching to another style after she moves from Seattle to Portland.
If you’d like to learn more, you can follow along in the book The Fallacy Detective by Nathaniel Bluedorn and Hans Bluedorn
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Even if I had years of training, I for one could never be on the same level as Bruce Lee. I would be happy if I have one quarter of his skills. But then again, why be like someone else when you can be your own person with mad skills. There will never be another Bruce Lee just like there will never be another music act like The Beatles. They were, in my opinion, once in life time happenings (lack of a better word) For me personally I would like to be good at something, a sense of achievement. Naturally it won’t come easy but that’s the best thing. Knowing that you earned it by not giving up when the going gets tough. Just hope I can practice what I preach. 😉 By the way, I hope you are doing better from the injury. Be safe and will check back. all the best and full respect.
Hi Steve!
Thanks for checking in and commenting. You do those wood ornaments – those are well received when you give them as gifts, so you should feel proud! Anyhow, thanks for asking about my injury and I honestly can’t remember which one you’d be referring to… the latissimus dorsi earlier this month or the neck (Thursday)? Currently I have a few very colorful bruises, but nothing more serious than that 😉 Be warned when you go back – you will get hurt from time to time 🙂
Hi again. The whiplash injury you had in class. Hope it’s not serious. And what’s the latest on the tournament? I hope that you’ll be able to attend. What do you compete in, kumite, kata? Sorry for playing 20 questions. For me kata would be my favorite….Yes I’m happy that I’m able to make the ornaments and all but I guess I’m being greedy in the sense that I want to expand my horizons more. Can’t wait for the weather to get better so I can get into my workshop (AKA garage) and start on them. I have a few designs all ready to try out. Anyway have a great rest of the week. Be safe in class. All the best and full respect.
Good evening, Steve, thanks for checking in! The chiropractor was a little concerned, but he said to listen to my body. My neck didn’t like sitting around! I did just fine at the tournament, thanks for asking. 2nd place in Kata and Kumite – just two of us middle-aged beginner ladies showed up!
It’s great you have something you love doing and that others appreciate. Keep up the good work!
Congratulations! Even though it was a small field, that’s an accomplishment no one can take away. I’m wiling to bet as you advance in ranks the field will be more crowded. I’m sure that you will listen closely because the last thing you want to do is not only missing out being on the mats but more importantly, getting seriously hurt. So not that you need me to tell you but be careful. I love reading of how you are progressing. Have a great Wednesday. Good luck in class and be safe. All the best and full respect.
Good morning, Steve!
Thank you. I’m learning more and more about being careful – blocking or dodging, doing my techniques with proper form, and conditioning my body outside of class. Pain is a great teacher! I appreciate you reading and commenting – thanks for your encouragement!