I know this will not mean very much to you, but I still can't stop grinning. You see, today I got a yellow stripe on my white belt. It is the first indication that I got that I am making some kind of progress. I thought I'd be a white belt forever, as I seem to be singularly uncoordinated and lacking in flexibility. But apparently, I am learning something - even if it is only the easiest form.
My school is all kids (I'm the only adult), and I admit that sometimes it is not too pleasant for me to watch them breeze through things that are so hard for me. But perhaps, it is more meaningful when it is hard?
Larisa
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gmattson
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Congratulations Larisa! The first stripe is the hardest...
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GEM
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GEM
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Congratulations Larisa!!!!!!
So true Sensei - that first stripe is a hard one!
Larisa - you preservered through the first "test" - trying something new (in front of strangers no less!) and staying with it long enough to achieve a visible reminder that you've made progress!
The longer you stay with the martial arts, the less importance rank may have for you - but initially it is an important self-measure - accept the award of rank as not only a symbol marking the miles on your journey, but also a symbolic way of making that belt heavier with responsibilty. You are no longer the "newbie" at the bottom of the class - the newcomers now will be watching YOU believe it or not! With grace and respect continue to approach your study with the eagerness of a newcomer, and respectfully assist those who will be increasingly looking to you for guidance!
Way to go! Keep training!
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Peace,
Lori
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Jackie Olsen
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YOU GO GIRL!!
That is awesome. Most of my life I was known as a klutz ... I literally couldn't walk without tripping over my own feet, stand on one leg or walk a wide blance beam without tumbling off!
When I started ... I was one of 10 white belts. Three months later I was the only white belt (with 1 stripe!) with a bevy of black and brown belts. Talk about trying to stay out of comparisons!
I made a commitment with myself to train in 3 month increments. At the end of each 3 months, I would decide whether I would renew my contract to myself. Eventually, I just kept on training ... going on 12+ years now!
Keep on training ... if you get stuck (and you will) ... don't be afraid to ask for help or another viewing point!
Here's something I'd like to share with regarding the ranks:
White stands for the color of trust and innoncense as you stand empty, ready to receive.
Yellow is the dawn of illumination, as the sun's rays first touch you ... and your first kata.
Green is growth ... you learn more applications/kata ... perhaps sparring techinques.
Brown stands for the blood mingled with the green... You become a warrior and may face your first battle.
Black represents the jump into the unknown ... will I win, will I fail ... will I learn more ... will I become an apprentice?
Let us know how you're doing, and enjoy the journey!
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In Beauty,
Jackie
[This message has been edited by Jackie Olsen (edited August 20, 2000).]
That is awesome. Most of my life I was known as a klutz ... I literally couldn't walk without tripping over my own feet, stand on one leg or walk a wide blance beam without tumbling off!
When I started ... I was one of 10 white belts. Three months later I was the only white belt (with 1 stripe!) with a bevy of black and brown belts. Talk about trying to stay out of comparisons!
I made a commitment with myself to train in 3 month increments. At the end of each 3 months, I would decide whether I would renew my contract to myself. Eventually, I just kept on training ... going on 12+ years now!
Keep on training ... if you get stuck (and you will) ... don't be afraid to ask for help or another viewing point!
Here's something I'd like to share with regarding the ranks:
White stands for the color of trust and innoncense as you stand empty, ready to receive.
Yellow is the dawn of illumination, as the sun's rays first touch you ... and your first kata.
Green is growth ... you learn more applications/kata ... perhaps sparring techinques.
Brown stands for the blood mingled with the green... You become a warrior and may face your first battle.
Black represents the jump into the unknown ... will I win, will I fail ... will I learn more ... will I become an apprentice?
Let us know how you're doing, and enjoy the journey!
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In Beauty,
Jackie
[This message has been edited by Jackie Olsen (edited August 20, 2000).]
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Hey Larisa!!
If you are still out there - drop us a note and let us know how you are doing! Enquiring minds want to know!
And to any other new participants - just beginning the martial arts or just considering it - please always feel welcome to post any questions, comments, concerns or just a quick note to say hello - you do NOT have to be a blackbelt or experienced martial artist to participate here. Nor do you have to agree with what anyone else is saying! Differing points of view welcomed.
The registration process is simply to serve as a partial protection against cyber hijackers - it is not meant to deter you from posting - we want to hear and care about your contributions to the martial arts - ESPECIALLY women! Please let us know that there are more of us out there...
Rules are simple and basic - no insults - no personal attacks or threats - check out the thread "Forum Q&A" for more details and/or questions.
Meantime - say hello! Let us know what you study - what you want to study and are thinking about - how the martial arts affects your life - what brought you to the martial arts - even what made you quit or stop for a while! We would like to hear from you.
Peace,
Lori
If you are still out there - drop us a note and let us know how you are doing! Enquiring minds want to know!
And to any other new participants - just beginning the martial arts or just considering it - please always feel welcome to post any questions, comments, concerns or just a quick note to say hello - you do NOT have to be a blackbelt or experienced martial artist to participate here. Nor do you have to agree with what anyone else is saying! Differing points of view welcomed.
The registration process is simply to serve as a partial protection against cyber hijackers - it is not meant to deter you from posting - we want to hear and care about your contributions to the martial arts - ESPECIALLY women! Please let us know that there are more of us out there...
Rules are simple and basic - no insults - no personal attacks or threats - check out the thread "Forum Q&A" for more details and/or questions.
Meantime - say hello! Let us know what you study - what you want to study and are thinking about - how the martial arts affects your life - what brought you to the martial arts - even what made you quit or stop for a while! We would like to hear from you.
Peace,
Lori
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What a great idea for a thread! Wish I would have thought of it here! Women will probably be more honest than all those macho guys you've got on your forum!
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Yeah , Lori__ what are the women afraid of?
See the post on my forum!
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Van Canna
See the post on my forum!
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Van Canna
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Allen M.
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Macho? Hey wait a minute there Lori! Us men on Van's forum are macho, and macho with a purpose. Wouldn't have it any other way.
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Allen M.
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BTW, big congratulations, Larisa. Hope it gets easier from here.
Flod control nailed me again.
Flod control nailed me again.
