Dojo Discernments
Hi all! Here is this week's edition of Dojo Discernments, where I share nuggets of thought earned on the mats this week.
What I'm Listening To
Much like jiu-jitsu, there’s no “get good fast” scheme for building wealth. Both require consistent effort and sound fundamentals.
Solid principles and daily habits compound over time, whether on the mats or with your finances. The way you think in one area often mirrors your approach all others.
EBI!
In 2016, as I was separating from the Marine Corps, I went to watch EBI 14 in Los Angeles. I was in a fairly low point in life and asked my older brother if he wanted to go watch the show with me, looking to get back into the sport. I watched superstars at the time go at it.
Now fast forward, in what does not feel like 9 years, we are finalists. We had a good run but fell short in the finals. Dominant performance but we miscalculated a few variables and that lost us the tournament. All is well. God is good.
The road is long ahead, but it's been enjoyable thus far.
Block Blast
A tetris esque game in which you need to form blocks into rows and collums before you can no longer fit another piece in. A random silly game app that I enjoy playing on airplane travel.
For a long time, I hated the game’s randomness. Sometimes it throws a huge piece you can’t plan for, and you lose despite playing efficiently.
On this trip, I realized why I love the game. I told myself, “I’m going to get a high score.” Loss after loss, I still enjoyed playing. In that moment, I understood that even without a new high score, I’d enjoy the process just as much.
I brought that mindset to competition: no matter the variables, I’d play my best and enjoy it.
Each breath, each problem presented executed to the best of my ability. We may have lost but we enjoyed playing our best game and are still looking forward to a new high score.
Gametime
The first 3 mathches this weekend all went the same. I blocked my opponent's attacks for a minute, passed, and submitted right away. I found a couple of my signature finishes.
If you aren't a member of the dojo library, consider snagging a membership to study these techniques in detail! It's the details that made them work.
Quote I'm Enjoying
"It would be good to make companions of your dreams and to put forth effort."- Hagakure
Let's not leave our dreams alone, but give them effort for company.
Praise and Fear for the Lord!
Enjoy your weeked,
Isaac
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