Training through the Tough Times

Commitment is the Key

by

Danny W. Young

Along the way many people have asked me how I became a Black Belt. My answer has always been the same. It isn't the most gifted or talented, those who can jump through the ceiling, or ones who always win the fight who make it. It is those who see the trail ahead and stick with it no matter what obstacles are in their path.

Commitment is the Key to success!

Without the key the door will never open. No amount of genius, talent, or right connections will ever bring success without a real commitment. Most frustrated quitters never achieve their potential, not because of bad breaks or unusual problems, but because of a failure to commit themselves to the goal regardless of the obstacles. Let me share with you four key principles of commitment that will help you train through the tough times, even when you don't feel like it.

1. Lasting commitment is making the decision before the solution is found, knowing the principle is right!

Many would be martial artists quit training because they are short sighted when faced with difficulties in their training. The most prominent thought is "why can't I do this technique or drill". You watch the gifted or experienced and they make it look so easy, yet you struggle. The committed martial artist sticks with their training even when they haven't found the solution to their difficulties. I came to my present school as a 2nd Dan in Tae Kwon Do, and a Black Belt in Jujitsu. I also had training in pentjak silat (pronounced see-lot). Yet, I struggled when trying to learn Bob Orlando's system of kuntao-silat. Many nights in my thirty-minute drive home I questioned if I made the right decision to leave the friendly confines of tae kwon do, and learn this new self-defense system. I mean heck, I could be getting ready for my third Dan! The one thing I did know was the Lord lead me there, so I was determined to be committed even though I did not see the solution to all my training problems. Over time, Bob has helped me to see the solutions, which I never would have found had I quit. (BTW, Bob does not go by any title he just wants us to call him by his name, so there is no disrespect.)

2. Commitment is the motivator that keeps a person moving towards his or her goal!

Let's face it, if you're not committed, no technique, drill, belt level, instructor, or fun will bring you back for more. Commitment is the driving force that will keep you going! When we lose sight of our goals, obstacles are all we will ever see. Commitment can be defined as "what does it take to make you quit?". If you're answer is nothing, you're committed towards your goals. When I was a green belt in Tae Kwon Do a Third degree Black Belt broke my ribs with a sidekick because I wouldn't back down when sparring with him. I could have quit in anger or felt sorry for myself. Instead, I decide from then on I would become the best I could be at blocking punches and kicks. I wasn't able to train for over a month. I still attended class by observing. When I did get back to training I was motivated by my commitment. I became very hard to hit which my instructor at the time, Dr. Bob Davis confirmed. I did forgive the instructor for my injury; he actually made me better, not bitter.

3. Commitment lets other people know where you stand and lets your heart feel the thrill of pursuing your goal.

Abraham Lincoln said "You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all the people all the time".

If you are committed people know it and take note. If you are not, it will be obvious to others also. My instructor Bob Orlando is the most committed martial artist I know. He is a martial artist's martial artist. Because of this fact everyone knows where he stands without question. Bob faces incredible odds everyday in pursuing his goal. His wife of nearly forty years is slowly dying, and has been for a number of years. His son is blind and has an IQ of about 70. (BTW, his son is one of the most loving and genuine people you can ever meet.) Bob works a full-time job as a computer programmer. Bob never misses class and is always upbeat when teaching us. By example he shows us how to be committed and how we, too, can pursue our goal with joy.

4. Commitment gets you started while others stand, and keeps you going when others quit. Commitment is the KEY!

In 1993 my Tae Kwon Do school started a Judo program with Sansei Gwen. My long time friend Chuck Arnt and I signed up for the program because we wanted to expand our knowledge and skills (there's more to martial arts than just punching and kicking). Sansei Gwen left the school due to personal issues at home. Dr. Davis took over teaching the class. The turn out for the class was low giving that the school had 225 plus active students. I know at one point Dr. Davis regretted starting the class due to the low interest from the rest of the school and wanted to cancel it all together. There was one small problem; Chuck and I kept showing up. We were committed, excited, enthusiastic, and full of energy. The class continued because we wouldn't quit! Seven years later Chuck and I tested for our Black Belts in Judo/Jujitsu. Chuck is now the instructor for the schools Judo program. When I tested for my first degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do in 1995, none of the people I started out with as white belts in 1990 where there. Many were far more talented than I, but my commitment exceeded their talent and earned the coveted prize--black belt. Commitment trumps talent every time. Commitment will get you through the tough times in your training.

May you find continued success in your training!

Danny

Black Belt - Je du-too School of Martial Arts (Bob Orlando, Head Instructor)

2nd Dan - Tae Kwon Do, Omega Martial Arts (Dr. Bob Davis, Head Instructor)

Black Belt - Omega Jujitsu, Omega Martial Arts (Dr. Bob Davis, Head Instructor)

Quotes 1-4 by Dr. John Maxwell

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