Over the years I've seen many people become disheartened, frustrated, or even angry when struggling with a new concept, technique, etc. I've been giving it some thought and it's likely because they see their instructor or even more experienced classmates either perform the technique with ease.
As I've posted on here in previous blog entries, it's not about comparing yourself to other people. At least it shouldn't be. Your progress should be gauged by comparing yourself today, to yourself yesterday. If you look at it this way you will see your martial arts journey as a developmental path rather than a series of competitions.
We've all been in that position. We learn a technique and then struggle with it, or perform it awkwardly until practice does its work and it is then done with grace and power.
My name is John Opalenik. My students know me as Sensei O. I am a Sandan in Shobayashi-Ryu and have been training for over 20 years.
I am a teacher and a writer in addition to my responsibilities as a Sensei.
Be sure to check previous articles even if you've already read them. I edit the articles to add and include information newly discovered by the author.
*Note* Karate is an art that for many reasons has a lot of information and misinformation out there. While I don't post anything on here unless I get it from a credible source, don't feel argumentative if you have heard information different from what's on here. I in no way consider myself to be anything close to the end-all, be-all of karate knowledge.