Everyone has one, a breaking point. A point where you look at yourself and say, “I can’t take another step. I am done. I just can’t do it.” We have all felt it at sometime or another. We have all been there. So what happened? Did you quit? Or did you keep going?
I was talking to a student the other day that is not real thrilled about sparring. You see in our school, we do spar quite a bit. Why is she afraid of sparring? To be honest, she’s afraid of being hit. Every time I tell her to put on her gear, I can see her tribulation. I see her put on her gear, get out there and do the best she can at her talent level. Is she good? No, she is OUTSTANDING. She has more natural talent than most people have. But she is apprehensive about sparring. However, every time she puts her gear on, she gives me her best. And every time, I respect her more. Why? Because courage is having the strength to overcome what you are afraid of doing or don’t believe you can do. Without the fear, there is no courage and thus, no glory.
I have students that are afraid of being in front of people and preforming a form, or that are afraid to break their boards. I have students that are afraid of getting hit in sparring, or are afraid of not meeting their parent’s expectations. I have students that are afraid because they are old or because it is something new. Yet every day they are here at the school they persevere. They overcome their individual fears. And every day, I respect them more.