Why Should I Show Up?

I have a pretty laissez faire perspective on attendance. I refuse to force students to come to class, especially as the rise up to and past the brown belt level. There are reasons for this but mostly it derives from my personal belief that success in any chosen endeavor must come from within.

So, why should a student show up? This isn’t just about judo or martial arts, it relates to most areas of human endeavor.

When a student starts an activity, especially judo, things are difficult. Moving is hard. Falling hurts. Everybody can throw you and you can’t throw anyone. Instructors and teammates should encourage the new student to keep coming because it will get better. As a student progresses things become less difficult for a time and success becomes more frequent. Then comes the brown belt.

The brown belt grades are hard grades to pass through. They are not especially challenging physically, but they become more mental, especially here. A black belt is not just a brown belt with seasoning. A brown belt needs to show mental discipline and good character. While there are many ways to show these qualities, if you desire to show them, you must show up!

Why should a student show up?

The grades lower than brown belt also have trials and tribulations to undergo. Showing up often and participating much helps growth. Learning to deal with that student who is shorter or heavier than you helps you understand judo better. Learning to deal helps you deal.

You need to show up to class because without class you cannot grow in your judo. Reading about judo is good. Watching judo videos is good. But they pale in comparison to getting on the mat and trying these things out!

Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect. No matter how many shadow uchikomi you do, no matter how many times you practice your foot sweeps against a pole or a wall, no matter how many times you work alone you cannot progress without qualified input. You get qualified input at class!

Show up, have fun, learn. You will get better.