I am But a Begginer

[Celtic_Crippler]

Gimp asked me to submit this for her. =)

I Understand That I am but a Beginner …by Katie Collinsworth

This first portion of the EKKS Orange Belt pledge sums up the emotions I feel about my journey as a Kenpoist so far. I have had wonderful bruises, numerous pains, and sore muscles. I know that I have many more waiting on me. I’ve been more exhausted than I care to remember. I know that this is only the beginning of the exhaustion. I have only been practicing for nine months.

Never in my life have I studied any Martial Art. I started Kenpo because a close friend and coworker suggested it to me. I am a singer and I do perform in some places that are not the safest to be in. After witnessing one too many drunken fist fights, I decided I should learn how to defend and protect myself. I never felt comfortable with a gun outside of a firing range and I always knew that it would probably wind up being used on me, not by me. So that was not an option.

What I wanted to learn was how to get out of a hold or to be released from a threatening situation. I wanted to learn how to break someone down so that I could flee life intact. I wanted to learn how to take care of myself.

In the first class, I was shown the basics. How to stand, why to stand that way, what to do in different “real-world” situations; it was simple. It was basic. It had me hooked. Then I was introduced to the principles. The reasoning behind why we do what we do was explained to me. It all just made sense. I fell and still am in love with this art. I can see how the pieces of the puzzle fit together, how they’re going to help me protect myself. Little did I know that soon I’d be using these basics.

Standing in one of the before mentioned bars, I felt someone walk up and stand beside me. I could tell they were considerably taller than I am and I was already on guard. I continued watching the stage from where I was standing when I felt a hand slap somewhere it should not have. Without thinking, I had settled into a horse stance, sunk my left elbow into their gut and hammer fisted their groin. People turned and stared. When the person hit the ground I realized I knew him. That and that he was in pain. The musician from the stage just stopped and asked the crowd what my “friend” had done to me for him to have wound up on the floor, holding himself. Everyone laughed because this “gentleman” had a reputation. I felt bad at first, and then I felt an amazing rush of relief. This man was a good foot taller than me, but had he been an attacker, I would have given myself the chance to survive. This was why I started Kenpo in the first place.

Now, I still have those days were moves just don’t click. I still have the times when I feel like “Rain Man” trying to work on certain forms. I go home some nights wondering, “If I’d had to do that move in real life, would I have been able to?” But I’m learning. I will never quit learning. I understand that I am, but a beginner in a new and fascinating art…

[gimpat01]

Thanks for posting that for me. It is kinda cool to see my words in print like that. Thanks again...

[jfarnsworth]

Good writing. I enjoyed reading it.

[gakusei]

Good article.

[masherdong]

Very good article!

[kenpo0324]

Katie, It was an excellent article!
I really enjoyed reading it, Thank-you

[Hunter]

Thanks for posting! I enjoy seeing other peoples point of view of the art.

[ronin6]

Great article. Thanks for sharing.

[John Brewer]

Well put! Thanks for sharing.

[Zarnyk]

Good read. Thanks for posting!

[SifuDangeRuss]

Very cool. Great article, I remember a similar experience in my early training. (Except there was no dance floor and some dude didn' grab my junk! I had to clarify that, or suffer the slings and arrows of my fellow smart asses!!!)

Thanks for sharing.

[SPK,Grasshopper]

We all still have those days were moves just don't click that is why we study the art. There are just some people that just do it better and we call them Sifu teacher what have you. Keep your path true Thank you for the good article.

[Martin Seck]

Thanks for reviving this post. Good stuff.

[Shepherd]

Gimp asked me to submit this for her. =)

I Understand That I am but a Beginner …by Katie Collinsworth

Now, I still have those days were moves just don’t click. I still have the times when I feel like “Rain Man” trying to work on certain forms. I go home some nights wondering, “If I’d had to do that move in real life, would I have been able to?” But I’m learning. I will never quit learning. I understand that I am, but a beginner in a new and fascinating art…

Don't we all, don't we all?

Great read, just saw it because I'm new to the forum.

[tylerjade]

LOL, Rain man doing forms. Ha Ha. Sometimes I wish I was as GOOD as Rain man when it comes to forms.
Very good post.
I think everyone who read it empathized with you.

[will chan]

excellent article i work in security field and some body is always challenging me so i must smile alot,but occasionaly some attacks me i must use mostly submission holds as i could be sued for hurting some one,but id rather be in coart than in hostpital trying to get over shatter body part.

[sifuroy]

Thanks for sharing yoour story. At least you found out your Kenmpo Worked and very well. Think what you will be able to do with more training. Feaar no onne ,but be careful

I am Most Respectfully,
Sifuroy