Dojo Discernments

Hi all!

Welcome to this week’s edition of Dojo Discernments, where I share nuggets of thought earned on the mats.

It’s been a busy month with tournaments four weeks in a row; Blue Belt Quintet, EBI, JJWL, and ADCC Nationals.

We reap what we sow.

What I'm Pondering

"Why does water flow where it does? Does the landscape choose or does the water?"

I've been reading some samurai texts lately. Their poetic reflection on the warrior’s life offers a refreshing, grounded way of thinking.

Thoughts like this have started to surface in my own mind, questions that stump me.

And I take that as a good sign.

Tokui-Waza

得意技

A Judo term that describes a practitioners specialty or favorite technique. May also include the set ups or off balances leading up to said “technique. 

I've always tried to hide my own favorite techniques from myself so as to maintain a balanced game, but learning that there was a judo term for this idea actually reframed it for me. 

Naturally sharpest tools emerge. Why not embrace them?

Set The Example

There's a portion of the Recon Creed that reads

"On the battlefield as in all areas of life I shall be the example for all Marines to emulate. Through professional pride, integrity, and teamwork; I shall stand tall above the competition."

This part of the creed exists within my everyday ethos. To show others the path without saying a word. I hope this is helpful for you and your way as well. 

Give them something to look towards.

Have Questions

This is what I want most from my students.
When a student has questions, about the material, about their process, it tells me they’re engaged in their growth.

Ask more. Reflect more. It promotes learning, humility, and wisdom.
Every time you ask, you open the door to a new level of understanding.

The best learners ask the best questions.

Success

Success demands being tired.
If you’ve never reached the point of dog-tired, physically, emotionally, spiritually, then you haven’t yet paid the price.

To be the best in the world, you must willingly push to that threshold.If you don’t, your opponent will.

This applies in every domain.

This is your challenge.

Let me know what you’re reflecting on this week, or if there’s anything you'd like to see in next week's Discernments. – Isaac

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