We have an excellent week of training ahead! Our theme is Willpower. I absolutely love the quote below from Abraham Lincoln, “Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way.” Just as with everything in life, willpower must be used in moderation. But training yourself how to turn it on full force when needed is an essential life skill.
If you study successful people and their mindset, you see this concept pop up again and again. People who really know how to make things happen begin with the end in mind, have a laser-like focus on their goal, and sometimes seem to manifest a step along the way through sheer willpower: It had to get done, and so it did.
Martial arts training is excellent for cultivating willpower. First, you need willpower to progress through the ranks, to make the time for your craft, and to show up for the big moments like testing, ceremonies, demo rehearsals and ambassador trainings. Willpower is also needed in self defense and safety because sometimes determination -and belief in the power of that determination- can be the difference between life and death.
We’ll be building the skill of willpower this week as we work on:
- Backward Ukemi
- Uke – Tori Responsibilities and Randori
- Escapes
- Tanto Kamae and Strikes
Remember to sign up for the Big Thanksgiving Service project coming up 11/19! I also wanted to be sure you know about the holiday deals we have on hoodies, training tools, belt displays and more. Send Santa over here to see them!
Thanks for reading and I’ll see you in the dojo!