I'm curious as to who you look up to as a role model in your training and why?
How does having a role model serve you in your training? How can it be a double edged sword?
Dana
Role Models
Moderator: Available
Role Models
Role model, I think I'm a bit too old to have a role model as I see too many cracks in people now-a-days compared to when I was younger. However, I do admire certain people with their skills, attitudes, or what they've endured.
There was this one guy who was admired by most people in the class, including me. He was lightening fast, yet really laid back. His kata, power, and technique were incredible. I always tried to imagine how much better he would be if he switched his diet from fast food to healthy food.
The double-edge part of the equation would be his advice. People would take it as gosspel without analayzing it thinking 'would it work for me or is it a good technique'. I think it is vital, the longer you are involved in karate, to challenge things being said. Even if the challenge is only in your head. Things that work for a 6 foot, 200 pound guy aren't necessarily going to work for a 5' 4" (your nuts if you think I'm revealing my weight) gal. Additionally, a lot of people would be so busy trying to immitate him or impress him, that they didn't focus on their individual skills as much.
[This message has been edited by Colleen (edited July 29, 2002).]
There was this one guy who was admired by most people in the class, including me. He was lightening fast, yet really laid back. His kata, power, and technique were incredible. I always tried to imagine how much better he would be if he switched his diet from fast food to healthy food.
The double-edge part of the equation would be his advice. People would take it as gosspel without analayzing it thinking 'would it work for me or is it a good technique'. I think it is vital, the longer you are involved in karate, to challenge things being said. Even if the challenge is only in your head. Things that work for a 6 foot, 200 pound guy aren't necessarily going to work for a 5' 4" (your nuts if you think I'm revealing my weight) gal. Additionally, a lot of people would be so busy trying to immitate him or impress him, that they didn't focus on their individual skills as much. [This message has been edited by Colleen (edited July 29, 2002).]
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beckyhaworth
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Role Models
I'm not sure who my role model is....I learn things from alot of people all over the world and I enjoy learning from both men and women.....so I guess that everyone is my role model...whether white belt or black belt!!
Becky
Becky
Role Models
great topic! I like this one a lot!
As for a role model, I am beginning to focus on techniques vs people. I take what I like about different people and strive to attain a piece of each.
There is a gal that is around 24 that I met when I was a yellow belt, she brown. She is shodan now and I am brown. I have looked up to her a lot, and seeing that she lives out of state now...her visits are treasured and I try to learn all I can from her.
There is a gentleman who is Sandan in our school who has a mental defense posture, but also speaks his mind. His techniques are cool, and we often find ourselves exploring advanced bunkaii together in adn after class. Pretty neat guy that I respect greatly!
I look up to my SENSEI as most students do at first. They seem to be the set goal, be as good as he/she since they are so perfect! I have learned that is not always true. I have met a few 9th and 10th dans in the few years I have been training, and the Christian ways adn pure wisdom of these karateka is amazing. They are the epitomy of martial arts training!
MY SENSEI's SENSEI is an 8th dan and his nature is so calm. I strive to be as calm as he and yet have the drive and the potential energy to strike when given the opportunity!
His SENSEI is 10th dan and he focuses so well. His techniques appear effortless and his knowledge is abundant! I hope to be half as good as he one day.
MY Sensei's Sensei's wife is a 5th dan. I look to her as the high ranking female who is well respected. I listen to her knowledge and am imspired to say the least! I am sure you all know where I am coming from here. I greatly admire her!
Hopefully I will have the chance to train with all of these karateka on many future occasions. WE all never know when it will be the last time to hear the story on Okinawa or the story of this or that. We should take the time to listen adn ask questions about heritage and remember the things that are important and cherish the memories. I am grateful to have the chance I have had, and hope to have many more! God Bless you all and great post! Like to see what others say
~sunsu
As for a role model, I am beginning to focus on techniques vs people. I take what I like about different people and strive to attain a piece of each.
There is a gal that is around 24 that I met when I was a yellow belt, she brown. She is shodan now and I am brown. I have looked up to her a lot, and seeing that she lives out of state now...her visits are treasured and I try to learn all I can from her.
There is a gentleman who is Sandan in our school who has a mental defense posture, but also speaks his mind. His techniques are cool, and we often find ourselves exploring advanced bunkaii together in adn after class. Pretty neat guy that I respect greatly!
I look up to my SENSEI as most students do at first. They seem to be the set goal, be as good as he/she since they are so perfect! I have learned that is not always true. I have met a few 9th and 10th dans in the few years I have been training, and the Christian ways adn pure wisdom of these karateka is amazing. They are the epitomy of martial arts training!
MY SENSEI's SENSEI is an 8th dan and his nature is so calm. I strive to be as calm as he and yet have the drive and the potential energy to strike when given the opportunity!
His SENSEI is 10th dan and he focuses so well. His techniques appear effortless and his knowledge is abundant! I hope to be half as good as he one day.
MY Sensei's Sensei's wife is a 5th dan. I look to her as the high ranking female who is well respected. I listen to her knowledge and am imspired to say the least! I am sure you all know where I am coming from here. I greatly admire her!
Hopefully I will have the chance to train with all of these karateka on many future occasions. WE all never know when it will be the last time to hear the story on Okinawa or the story of this or that. We should take the time to listen adn ask questions about heritage and remember the things that are important and cherish the memories. I am grateful to have the chance I have had, and hope to have many more! God Bless you all and great post! Like to see what others say
~sunsu
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Dana Sheets
- Posts: 2715
- Joined: Mon Feb 25, 2002 6:01 am
Role Models
It has been said that everyone is a teacher, they just may not be aware of what they are teaching you.
I have role models for how I hope to act and respond and I have role models who show me how I hope I DON"T act and respond.
Some of my most valuable lessons have been learned from people who have shown me the wrong way to act in a given situation.
So I feel I can learn both from example, and "anti-example".
Dana
I have role models for how I hope to act and respond and I have role models who show me how I hope I DON"T act and respond.
Some of my most valuable lessons have been learned from people who have shown me the wrong way to act in a given situation.
So I feel I can learn both from example, and "anti-example".
Dana
i like teachers who are patient and understanding. those with good atititude...very impressive but not fierce and too proud of him/herself.
and also very good at imparting knowledge and skills to students.cause no point if the master is very good and impressive but cant teach well.
cant share the techniques and the knowledge he/she has.
and also very good at imparting knowledge and skills to students.cause no point if the master is very good and impressive but cant teach well.
cant share the techniques and the knowledge he/she has.
Last edited by suede on Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Glad to see the 'role model' thread revived.
As we get older I believe that we may use different terms or look at things different. We are more educated, know how to make choices and decisions and know a little about human behavior. Does what was considered in having a role model in our youth become more of a choice of respect.
There are many outstanding athletes that lack character and behavior that I'd want my kids to copy. Suer i'd be very happy if they trained like so and so or played ball like what's his name but we can do without the outbursts and fighting on the court.
Immitation is considered a form of flatery in some circles but I think we can separate athletiscism and character or lack there of.
There are some people that I'd like to mold my training after but that is as far as it goes. Respect, now that is another topic that can go a long way. Do we have to like someone that we respect. Do we have to try to copy the behavior? Are there different ways in which we can respect someone?
Having never met any people that take part in these forums I don't know them beyond what they write. How they live their lives is none of my business because I am not here to judge anyone but I sure as heck can honestly say that I respect most of the people that write in, I respect their openness, honesty and willingness to share. This tells me a little about what is in their heart, no you can not tell a book by it's cover but you sure can make a decision by the words.
As we get older I believe that we may use different terms or look at things different. We are more educated, know how to make choices and decisions and know a little about human behavior. Does what was considered in having a role model in our youth become more of a choice of respect.
There are many outstanding athletes that lack character and behavior that I'd want my kids to copy. Suer i'd be very happy if they trained like so and so or played ball like what's his name but we can do without the outbursts and fighting on the court.
Immitation is considered a form of flatery in some circles but I think we can separate athletiscism and character or lack there of.
There are some people that I'd like to mold my training after but that is as far as it goes. Respect, now that is another topic that can go a long way. Do we have to like someone that we respect. Do we have to try to copy the behavior? Are there different ways in which we can respect someone?
Having never met any people that take part in these forums I don't know them beyond what they write. How they live their lives is none of my business because I am not here to judge anyone but I sure as heck can honestly say that I respect most of the people that write in, I respect their openness, honesty and willingness to share. This tells me a little about what is in their heart, no you can not tell a book by it's cover but you sure can make a decision by the words.
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Tony-San
Tony,
Can you set up one of those polls regarding role models? Who inspires you, who do you think you'd like to be like. etc.
Role models are not just athletes, movie stars, senseis and people in the news they can be moms, dads, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles etc.
Perhaps a better term rather than role model can be 'inspiration'.
Can you set up one of those polls regarding role models? Who inspires you, who do you think you'd like to be like. etc.
Role models are not just athletes, movie stars, senseis and people in the news they can be moms, dads, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles etc.
Perhaps a better term rather than role model can be 'inspiration'.
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jorvik
I used to do Tai-chi...I wanted to see if it really was a fighting art, never met anyone who was any good. One of the guys that I used to train with was really impressive at Kata....I mean that is basically what Tai- Chi is,,,,but this guy was exceptional..breath taking, you just wanted to emulate the way that he did his form, he did actually win a big form competition, and deservedly so, he was brilliant.The point is when somebody is good at Tai-Chi you attach all sorts of baggage to them...they become enlightened beings, resevoirs of calm, totally at peace with themselves, at one with the Universe.......true men of Dao.
The point is.......he wasn't, he was a nervous wreck, going through a messy divorce, crappy job.Drink problem......and he used to turn up for the class dragging heavily on a cigarette to calm him down........but!!!!!! if you saw his form
Role models...
My first role model is probably my father. He would have been such an excellent martial artist had he pursued such an avenue.
On the soft side: He is a gentleman, courteous and polite...always made my friends feel welcome. He is compassionate and has great empathy for those in need, helping others whenever possible.
On the hard side: He was and still is one tough little Greek guy. He is not very tall but wiry and fears nothing. He is confident in who he is, fiercely loyal, and will go to bat for someone he cares about even under insurmountable odds.
Twenty years ago, he was in a restaurant with my uncle and some lady started yelling that her purse had just grabbed her purse and was running out the back. My Dad was near by table with my uncle and her the commotion. He told my uncle (Dad's brother in law) to go out the front and come around the back to corner the guy. He took off out the back following the thief. Well, my uncle, being fearful, never went around the back to meet my dad. My dad tore out after the thief and was jumped by his two buddies that were waiting in the alley for him. He fought them with eveything he had, got the purse back but suffered broken ribs and was pretty busted up. He came home bloodied and bruised and didn't even complain. Sideline: he had been drinking with my uncle and knew my mom's wrath about drinking.
Another incident occurred right before my Dad retired from his second job. My father was the train station manager for Amtrak in New Orleans. He had gone to use the bathroom and while at the urinal, a man came up behind him with a gun pointed at his back. He told my Dad to take his wallet out of his pocket and hand it over. Even though my Dad had been an M.P. (military police) in the Air Force for 20+ years, it had been at least 15 years since he retired and he was about 60 at the time. I don't know the sequence of events only that Dad ended up beating the crap out of this guy. My mom was so furious that he would take such a crazy chance but that is my Dad.
He has always been a man of honor, of ethics, and of courage...crazy sometimes but, in general, a very good man.
I have other models that inspire me but my Dad is my first and best. What a guy.
Vicki
On the soft side: He is a gentleman, courteous and polite...always made my friends feel welcome. He is compassionate and has great empathy for those in need, helping others whenever possible.
On the hard side: He was and still is one tough little Greek guy. He is not very tall but wiry and fears nothing. He is confident in who he is, fiercely loyal, and will go to bat for someone he cares about even under insurmountable odds.
Twenty years ago, he was in a restaurant with my uncle and some lady started yelling that her purse had just grabbed her purse and was running out the back. My Dad was near by table with my uncle and her the commotion. He told my uncle (Dad's brother in law) to go out the front and come around the back to corner the guy. He took off out the back following the thief. Well, my uncle, being fearful, never went around the back to meet my dad. My dad tore out after the thief and was jumped by his two buddies that were waiting in the alley for him. He fought them with eveything he had, got the purse back but suffered broken ribs and was pretty busted up. He came home bloodied and bruised and didn't even complain. Sideline: he had been drinking with my uncle and knew my mom's wrath about drinking.
Another incident occurred right before my Dad retired from his second job. My father was the train station manager for Amtrak in New Orleans. He had gone to use the bathroom and while at the urinal, a man came up behind him with a gun pointed at his back. He told my Dad to take his wallet out of his pocket and hand it over. Even though my Dad had been an M.P. (military police) in the Air Force for 20+ years, it had been at least 15 years since he retired and he was about 60 at the time. I don't know the sequence of events only that Dad ended up beating the crap out of this guy. My mom was so furious that he would take such a crazy chance but that is my Dad.
He has always been a man of honor, of ethics, and of courage...crazy sometimes but, in general, a very good man.
I have other models that inspire me but my Dad is my first and best. What a guy.
Vicki
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Dana Sheets
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- Joined: Mon Feb 25, 2002 6:01 am
My role models seem to be everyone. There is not one person I treasure above all others...but each person I meet brings out an element I either wish to emulate or avoid.
I find I am most moved by youth with vision and courage to take action. In working on a recent project I've been interviewing students with disabilities.
One young woman was the first in her community to use a wheelchair - but the public buses in her town didn't have any lifts. She marched (by herself) down to the main office for the bus system, took all the laws with her that give her the right to ride fixed route public transportation, and got the city to buy a bus with a lift. Now the city is looking to buy a 2nd bus.
This same woman was the first person who used a wheelchair to go to her local community college. The buildings and the dorm were not accessible to her. This time she marched into the President of the School's office armed with laws and a camcorder and got the President to sign a contract that detailed out the plan for making the campus accessible. The plan included adding ramps, automatic doors, and fixing an elevator.
This woman has never put on a karate uniform in my life, but she inspires my training through her determination and her actions.
Dana
I find I am most moved by youth with vision and courage to take action. In working on a recent project I've been interviewing students with disabilities.
One young woman was the first in her community to use a wheelchair - but the public buses in her town didn't have any lifts. She marched (by herself) down to the main office for the bus system, took all the laws with her that give her the right to ride fixed route public transportation, and got the city to buy a bus with a lift. Now the city is looking to buy a 2nd bus.
This same woman was the first person who used a wheelchair to go to her local community college. The buildings and the dorm were not accessible to her. This time she marched into the President of the School's office armed with laws and a camcorder and got the President to sign a contract that detailed out the plan for making the campus accessible. The plan included adding ramps, automatic doors, and fixing an elevator.
This woman has never put on a karate uniform in my life, but she inspires my training through her determination and her actions.
Dana
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Akil Todd Harvey
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- Location: Tallahassee, FL
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Dana & others,
I used to work with the center for disabilties Services at UMass......
I too witnessed amazing strengths with folks who otherwise might have every reason to quit, but pushed ahead to break down barriers, to go where no woman may have gone before.
My Karate teachers at Brandeis (Rich, Vinny, Tony, Jerry, Frank, & others), if not role models (most were), guided me in other ways. Every one of them was successful professionally (all college graduates-doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc) as well as being adept karateka. As much as I wanted to wear the black belt, I wanted to acquire their self discipline to accomplish my goals without getting side tracked by disttractions either internal or external. The Brandeis troupe of Black belts also led me to their teachers, whom they looked up to, and I came to learn from these diverse and knwoledgeable sources as well.
I have to say "Right on" to Dana who looks to everyone to see what might be a strenght or a weakness that might be avoided or emulated.
I tried to turn my teacher, Sensei Mattson, into a father figure/role model and he rejected any such notions. I had been initially hurt by such actions, but have come to realize that they were defintely for the best. I was better able to chart a course for my life that would make me happy.
I think Sensei Mattson makes a good role model, but I seek not to idolize him. I think this is an approach in which teacher and student can benefit from their mutual interactions while still maintaining their space (life), independence, and individuality. Being able to decifer the difference may be necessary if you wake up one day and come to realize that your karate school resembles a cult (I have found little of this in Uechi, but have heard horror stories of styles I would refer to as Mooney-Ryu or some such thing.
Happy Happy Happy
Merry Merry Merry
ATH
I used to work with the center for disabilties Services at UMass......
I too witnessed amazing strengths with folks who otherwise might have every reason to quit, but pushed ahead to break down barriers, to go where no woman may have gone before.
My Karate teachers at Brandeis (Rich, Vinny, Tony, Jerry, Frank, & others), if not role models (most were), guided me in other ways. Every one of them was successful professionally (all college graduates-doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc) as well as being adept karateka. As much as I wanted to wear the black belt, I wanted to acquire their self discipline to accomplish my goals without getting side tracked by disttractions either internal or external. The Brandeis troupe of Black belts also led me to their teachers, whom they looked up to, and I came to learn from these diverse and knwoledgeable sources as well.
I have to say "Right on" to Dana who looks to everyone to see what might be a strenght or a weakness that might be avoided or emulated.
I tried to turn my teacher, Sensei Mattson, into a father figure/role model and he rejected any such notions. I had been initially hurt by such actions, but have come to realize that they were defintely for the best. I was better able to chart a course for my life that would make me happy.
I think Sensei Mattson makes a good role model, but I seek not to idolize him. I think this is an approach in which teacher and student can benefit from their mutual interactions while still maintaining their space (life), independence, and individuality. Being able to decifer the difference may be necessary if you wake up one day and come to realize that your karate school resembles a cult (I have found little of this in Uechi, but have heard horror stories of styles I would refer to as Mooney-Ryu or some such thing.
Happy Happy Happy
Merry Merry Merry
ATH
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Dana Sheets
- Posts: 2715
- Joined: Mon Feb 25, 2002 6:01 am
Moonies not Mooney?
Todd,Mooney-Ryu
You mean the Moonies - the uber-christian cult-like group -- yes?/No?
(There is also the very well known Mr. Richard Mooney who might be confused with SUN MYUNG MOON, the person I think you're refering to.)
Dana
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Akil Todd Harvey
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Dana,
Mr. Richard Mooney is someone whose name I have never heard of. The Moonies - the uber-christian cult-like group is exactly who I am referring to. It was claimed by someone that I met that a particluar brand of martial arts (I cant remember the exact name) was very cult like.
George Mattson, is someone who looks to outside sources (look at all the non-Uechi people who come to this site, not to mention the non-uechi discussion areas) as additional assets from which we can all hopefully learn something. GEM does not seem afraid that the Uechi style will appear lesser after being seen under the light of day....
The Moonie Ryu I refer is one that I did not investigate all that much (I took this guy at his word) and may even turn out to be better than I have painted it. But I will stick to my intial statement that some teachers of martial arts, wehther wittingly ot otherwise are operating a cult or something like one. The biggest example (critisim) I can remember of the the Moony ryu was that it was something like the church of scientology (hopefully this is not alienating all my firends at this point) in that as you you advance in the "church", the amount that you are expected to pay the church increases dratatically (almost exponentially).....
Suppose you were paying $50 -$100 per month for your karate school tutition, but after making black belt, your tuition rate went up to $100-$200 per month and your fifth degree black belt test cost $500. These are becoming less and less nominal fees and more and more extortionary. In the case of the churhc of scientology, after about ten years in, they are asking for tens of thousands of dollars to be let into the next circle of secrets (which are free on the internet-but i dont know where).....
Watch out is all I am saying. I dont mean to name names, even though I have, but especially for women, just please be wary...
and Merry
ATH
Mr. Richard Mooney is someone whose name I have never heard of. The Moonies - the uber-christian cult-like group is exactly who I am referring to. It was claimed by someone that I met that a particluar brand of martial arts (I cant remember the exact name) was very cult like.
George Mattson, is someone who looks to outside sources (look at all the non-Uechi people who come to this site, not to mention the non-uechi discussion areas) as additional assets from which we can all hopefully learn something. GEM does not seem afraid that the Uechi style will appear lesser after being seen under the light of day....
The Moonie Ryu I refer is one that I did not investigate all that much (I took this guy at his word) and may even turn out to be better than I have painted it. But I will stick to my intial statement that some teachers of martial arts, wehther wittingly ot otherwise are operating a cult or something like one. The biggest example (critisim) I can remember of the the Moony ryu was that it was something like the church of scientology (hopefully this is not alienating all my firends at this point) in that as you you advance in the "church", the amount that you are expected to pay the church increases dratatically (almost exponentially).....
Suppose you were paying $50 -$100 per month for your karate school tutition, but after making black belt, your tuition rate went up to $100-$200 per month and your fifth degree black belt test cost $500. These are becoming less and less nominal fees and more and more extortionary. In the case of the churhc of scientology, after about ten years in, they are asking for tens of thousands of dollars to be let into the next circle of secrets (which are free on the internet-but i dont know where).....
Watch out is all I am saying. I dont mean to name names, even though I have, but especially for women, just please be wary...
and Merry
ATH
