Content, Are We?

I asked a simple question at the last seminar:

"How much has everyone improved in the year since we last got together?"

I've practiced the same basics everyday for decades.

Everyday Rain or shine. Summer, winter, spring and fall. Over and over and over.............................................

And I'm never satisfied. I'm not fast enough, I don't hit hard enough, my basic "technique" is NOT at all satisfactory.

I don't train a lot of "techniques". But, I train those "techniques" a lot.

Basic fundamental stuff. That's all I can handle.

Over and over and over and over and over................................

Know why?

Because I'm NEVER satisfied. I'm not fast enough, I don't hit hard enough, my basic "technique" is NOT at all satisfactory.

Nope! I'm NEVER happy.

It might be nice to "do" more advanced, complex, and exotic stuff.

But personally I can't justify it. I see far too much room for improvement in just the most basic fundamental stuff.

Because I'm never satisfied. I'm not fast enough, I don't hit hard enough, my basic "technique" is NOT at all satisfactory.

I guess the problem is that I don't have a clue as to when these basics become "good" enough. Seems to me I could spend the rest of my life constantly working at improving just a handful of solid basics and still NEVER be satisfied. Never be fast enough, never hit hard enough.

Damn. Consigned to an existence of fundamental basics. Well, I guess I'm just one of the unlucky few.

Copyright 2003 http://www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com ©

Carl Cestari began his study of the martial arts with judo at the age of 7 under the direction of Yoshisada Yonezuka. During the past forty plus years Carl has dedicated his life to studying the martial arts, hand to hand combat systems, history and religion. What makes Carl unique is his combination of martial arts, law enforcement, military and real world experience. Carl has been exposed to a multitude of people with a wide variety experience. The following is a list of some of Carl's ranks and honors.

Shinan (Founder) Tekkenryu jujutsu Ryokudan (6th degree) Koshinkai Karate under John Burrelle Godan (5th degree) Jujutsu under Clarke of the World Jujutsu Fedaration (now defunct) Sandan (3rd degree) Nippon Kempo under Narabu Sada Nidan (2nd degree) Judo under Masafumi Suzuki Shodan (1st degree) Judo under Yoshisada Yonezuka Shodan (1st degree) Shukokai Karate under Kimura, Kadachi and Yonezuka Shodan (1st degree) Daitoryu Aikijujutsu Instructors Certificate- Charles Nelson System of Self Defense under Charlie Nelson http://www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com

In The News:

Fronting

"Fronting": The dodge to get in close to you. The... Read More

5 Steps to Choosing the Right Martial Art for You

One of the questions I get asked most frequently, in... Read More

Martial Arts and The Zone

On the occasions you delivered the perfect strike; blocked without... Read More

Safety Awareness & Self Defense: Circle of Safety

Safety Awareness & Self Defense is the responsibility of each... Read More

Real Life Self-Defense Starts From...

"Nicky Bats" was an "old school" kinda guy. He was... Read More

A Samurais Power Is In His Little Finger, Not His Samurai Sword

In the 12th Century the Shogunate was formed. The head... Read More

Tai-Chi for the Masses--and Others

Kuang Ping was the T'ai-chi set favored by Yang Lu-Chan,... Read More

Martial Arts Sparring and Training Protective Equipment

The benefits of Martial Arts has always appealed its practitioners.... Read More

Historical References to W.E. Fairbairn, E.A. Sykes AND Dermot Pat ONeill

FROM THE BOOK: "PIERCING THE REICH" AUTHOR: JOSEPH E. PERSICOThey... Read More

Samurai Swords ? Choosing a Sword to Buy

It's undeniable that a well placed and mounted samurai sword... Read More

Combatives

This is our last installment on "defining" the parameters of... Read More

Martial Arts

Traditionally, people trained in Martial Arts in order to utilized... Read More

Why Every Cop Should Study Judo Part 1

Up until 30 years ago, JUDO was the martial art.... Read More

A Great Question!

It's a question that we went back and forth with... Read More

By-Rote Combinations

Do not believe that practicing "by rote" 1-2-3,etc. type "responses"... Read More

Are You Frustrated Yet?

I was talking to a parent recently and they told... Read More

The Rebels Guide to Cultivating Vitality

Many Taoists recluses and Buddhists monks dwelled in mountains and... Read More

Break the Bones

"HONE O ORERU" is a Japanese term that translates literally... Read More

Expect the Unexpected Grass Hopper

The Myth perpetuated by Self Defense Oriented Martial ArtsI just... Read More

Content, Are We?

I asked a simple question at the last seminar:"How much... Read More

Its Not a Matter of Who is Right

"People here may belittle sports arts...."Who?Almost EVERY "combatives" man of... Read More

Is it a ?Hurt? or is it an ?Injury?

My father fed me this line every time I felt... Read More

Martial Arts and The Bible

As a Christian and a martial arts student, I have... Read More

Applying Law of Gravity to Judo

In judo it is important to throw your opponent by... Read More

Grown Man Quits After 3 Mat Pulls!

A matt pull is the simple act of lying on... Read More