Posted 9 years ago
When I was around 7 years old, I left the movie theater seeing “The Karate Kid” with so much passion that I wanted to start taking karate lessons that day. My father, who is Japanese, agreed, though encouraged me to take judo as well. After about a year, I realized that I preferred judo and decided to focus just on that sport. When I first started competing, I was a very defensive player. I often fought with my back hunched just to stop from being thrown to the mat. The result was that I managed to protect myself more often but in turn, prevented myself from getting close enough to my opponent to throw him as well.
When I turned 13, I was fortunate enough to go to Japan for the summer to study judo. The teacher asked me what my favorite throw was, and I had asked him to show me “tai otoshi” (a hand throw, generated through a powerful body drop & torque). The teacher asked me if I “really” wanted to learn that technique, to which I affirmatively replied. He proceeded to throw me (very hard), and asked if I had learned the technique. He continued to throw me over a hundred times. Over and over, I was tossed to the mat with great force. As a result, I learned the technique, but more importantly, I lost the fear of being thrown to the mat.
I returned to the U.S. a much stronger judo player. Now in competition, I fought with my back upright, poised to attack. I went on to win a great amount of competitions and have since learned to apply this philosophy through out my life.
When I come across great uncertainty & fear, I remember that once I face the fear, acknowledge it, honor it and do it anyway, then I am able to push my comfort zone and grow, thus reaching the goals I’ve set.
No comments yet