If you can’t you must

Competition2020

I kind of get your thinking. It may be that you are telling yourself that competitions are just not your thing. You have been a part of a dojo for a while and you are only interested in the self-defence and fitness. You may not like the confrontation of sparring, so you have avoided it. But when you spar in regular class, you really enjoy it. So where do you fit in with actually competing in a tournament? For the average student, it is so left field and the thought of kicking and punching some one for real quite frankly is something that was never part of the journey.

The well-known motivator Anthony Robbins has a great phrase. It is simply; “if you can’t, you must.” So regardless all the reasons that are stacked up as to why you are not going in this year’s competition, can be cut through very simply. “You just have to.” You may never get this opportunity again. Who would have ever thought that on your martial arts journey you would get the opportunity to go against another human in controlled unarmed combat.

If you get the chance, it is great for your martial arts development to experience this at least once.

Fear is normal. I cannot remember a time that I was not scared when entering a competition. It is part of the journey and the entire competition experience includes how you cope with the fear. It is not about winning or even losing. It is all about you, and how you feel about yourself. Just actually arriving to compete on the day, when the mind has been screaming out to you to pull out, is a tremendous achievement. Actually, stepping into the ring and surviving is just an added bonus.

It is robust and tough, and yes there will be spilt blood and bruises but you know this and accept it as part of the risk.

Use this time to get in super shape. Add in two-minute timed rounds on the punching bag, treadmill or bike. By entering the competition commit to upping your levels, body, mind and spirit. This is your time, your warriorship. Seize the opportunity with open arms and feel the adrenalin pump as you launch into this challenge that catapults you to a whole new level.

We do not ask for the easy way, we demand the hard way because, that is what we do. We rise above the self talk, choosing the higher ground where champions take their place. We live for this chance, to prove ourselves in combat. 

Northstar Ju Jitsu

Northstar Ju Jitsu is also taught by senior Black Belts at their own studios'.

These are independently run from the Headquarters .Andy Dickinson Sensei is the head of and founder of Northstar Ju Jitsu and oversees the teaching of his program.

All Black Belts are graded by Andy Dickinson Sensei.