pruh-gres
(Growth or development; continuous improvement.)
Shihan Brian Cyr – The Academy of Martial Arts – Founder
In the martial arts it is important that we do not confuse progress with promotion. When we all start to train, our focus is to make progress: whether it was physical, mental, or emotional, we all wish to develop and grow.
I do not think in all my years I have ever had a parent bring there child to train so they could get a black belt as the reason to start; it was always to improve focus or gain confidence.
As adult students getting a belt was a distant second to lowering our stress level, losing 20 lbs, or maintaining mental acuity – then the pendulum swings.
As we get a little training under our “belt” our outlook changes as we start to count the months till and since our last belt. Progress is replaced with promotion as learning the next kata is how we get closer to a belt rather then progressing our technique.
Now do not get me wrong, i have enjoyed my rank promotions as much as the next guy… but your belt needs to be the result of your training, never the reason.
“The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.”
Oliver Wendell Holmes
