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**Tuqofiw** · 01-22-2006, 04:18 AM

I've read several books, and each one mentioned the maxim "You must first defeat yourself before you can defeat an opponent." Well, I began my 3rd month of training on Jan 7th, and this past Saturday it hit me. Everything was going along smoothly, but when we began kirikaeshi it all fell apart.

I began waaaay too fast, and completely screwed up... lost count, missed my target, etc. Next round, I over-thought the process and again lost rhythym. Last round, I was so out-of-sync, I mis-stepped and almost fell down. Funny thing is, it also happened to 3 of my fellow students.

Just wanted to share.

I don't want to sound like an a**hole, but do you understand? This just sounds like beginner problems that can only be solved by a lot of training. Not some "I've seen the light" mumbo jumbo picked up from books. The "you must first defeat yourself before you can defeat an opponent" stuff is nice but it can only be done by loads of training, experience and, as a result of the experience and training, self control. Don't start reading books and say that you suddenly understand kendo/ iai or whatever MA you do, it doesn't work like that. Reading books is okee, background info is also necessary for your development as a martial artist.

Recognizing your mistakes is only the first step of improving your MA. You're only in the 3rd month of your training so don't expect miracles. Just like everyone in this tread has been telling you, take slow and do it correct. When your more experienced your can step up your pace. Good luck and keep on training (a lot), it’s the only way of getting things right.

I was talking to a friend about this thread last night and he said to me something that stuck: 'a mantra shouldn't be negative and defeat is a very negative word'. Now that I think about it, it does sounds like you're trying to crush your own spirit! We came up with overcome. I think that's better. 'You must first overcome yourself before you can overcome your opponent'. Triumph and correction without the implication of downfall.

Nice, impressive and profound. It all depends on who is victorious. For the winner the defeat of his opponent is not negative, even if you’re your own opponent. So defeat is not a negative word for the winner.

01-22-2006, 04:18 AM	#10
Tuqofiw Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 500 Senior Member	I've read several books, and each one mentioned the maxim "You must first defeat yourself before you can defeat an opponent." Well, I began my 3rd month of training on Jan 7th, and this past Saturday it hit me. Everything was going along smoothly, but when we began kirikaeshi it all fell apart. I began waaaay too fast, and completely screwed up... lost count, missed my target, etc. Next round, I over-thought the process and again lost rhythym. Last round, I was so out-of-sync, I mis-stepped and almost fell down. Funny thing is, it also happened to 3 of my fellow students. Just wanted to share. I don't want to sound like an a**hole, but do you understand? This just sounds like beginner problems that can only be solved by a lot of training. Not some "I've seen the light" mumbo jumbo picked up from books. The "you must first defeat yourself before you can defeat an opponent" stuff is nice but it can only be done by loads of training, experience and, as a result of the experience and training, self control. Don't start reading books and say that you suddenly understand kendo/ iai or whatever MA you do, it doesn't work like that. Reading books is okee, background info is also necessary for your development as a martial artist. Recognizing your mistakes is only the first step of improving your MA. You're only in the 3rd month of your training so don't expect miracles. Just like everyone in this tread has been telling you, take slow and do it correct. When your more experienced your can step up your pace. Good luck and keep on training (a lot), it’s the only way of getting things right. I was talking to a friend about this thread last night and he said to me something that stuck: 'a mantra shouldn't be negative and defeat is a very negative word'. Now that I think about it, it does sounds like you're trying to crush your own spirit! We came up with overcome. I think that's better. 'You must first overcome yourself before you can overcome your opponent'. Triumph and correction without the implication of downfall. Nice, impressive and profound. It all depends on who is victorious. For the winner the defeat of his opponent is not negative, even if you’re your own opponent. So defeat is not a negative word for the winner.
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