By Scott Campsall
I had no idea what it meant to be a 6TH degree black belt when I started karate classes. I just knew it was a ‘big deal’. I had heard the word ‘sensei’ before, but I didn’t know what a ‘shihan’ was. The man who I trusted to teach me had these qualifications though and they seemed unreachable to me. I wanted to learn karate and maybe get a black belt, but I wasn’t sure it was an attainable goal.
Before I started my first class with him, I checked in to make sure I had tied my belt correctly. I didn’t even know how to do that! For the most part though, I was able to at least slowly attempt everything that was asked of me during that first session. What I did have trouble with was side thrust kicks. Trying to pivot on a supporting foot, making sure my knee was chambered correctly and hitting a target with my heel was a combination of difficulties. I was asked to do the technique during my yellow belt test and heard Shihan (now Hanshi) Walker say, “We’re going to have to work on that.”.
Somehow, I was able to fulfill enough of the requirements to still get my yellow belt though and the rest is history. If you asked me then if I thought I would receive any of the ranks or titles I have now, I’d have to say no. However, it is due to the journey I have been on since my first year as a martial artist that I can say I’ve learned the power of YET.
We were never allowed to say “CAN’T” when we were training as in “I can’t do that.”. We could say we were having a difficult time with something, but we weren’t allowed to believe that we could never be successful if we kept trying.
Remembering to look for potential is an important part of martial arts and fitness training just as much as it is an essential part of accomplishing any worthwhile task. I’m all for saying “CAN’T”, but adding the word “YET” changes the sentence to something more encouraging and more truthful if we’re willing to put in the work.
Here are some examples…
“I CAN’T do a side thrust kick…YET.”
“I CAN’T run 5 kms without stopping…YET.”
“I CAN’T buy that expensive thing I want…YET”
“I CAN’T speak a new language…YET.”
It’s not a magic word. You still must make an effort, but it is a powerful one that can help you realize just how even more amazing you can be.