I had to give up my blue belt and go back to being a white belt beginner.
For years, I felt uncomfortable whenever sensei pointed out in front of the class that I was doing something wrong (I think it brought back memories of when I was being told off at school and all the other kids were looking at me…).
Have you ever experienced something similar in your personal life or at work? It may feel like criticism. It may feel like negative feedback.
But when those words come from an expert or someone who can see your potential, that can be a tremendous gift.
And, in my case, all that attention certainly paid off because I ultimately earned a 4th dan black belt and, in 2009, I won the gold medal in my category in the Itosu-ryu Karatedo World Championships in Malaysia.
Now, I’m back in the dojo learning kobudo – which is an ancient form of martial arts using weapons, including nunchaku.
I noticed that I have a very different attitude when my moves are corrected. I welcome the advice. It feels good because I know it’s helping me to improve.
See me in action below at a recent team nunchaku embu (demonstration).