Little and Often

My dog Lucy, the gripping jars, and the chi'shi

Happy New Year!

First day of the year, a day of re-dedication for many people.  Maybe a day of new beginnings.  For me, it was just another day of training.  Sure last night the clock struck 12a, I kissed my fiance, then went out side and began to work Kata, but that is really the only symbolism I give the holiday, usher in the new year with Karate.  Today however, today is Wednesday, I awoke naturally, and waited for my fiance to stir.When the coast was clear I threw on my sneakers and jacket and went out side to engage in some Hojo Undo.  It was raining and cold, so I was stuck under the carport but it didn't stop me from wishing my good friends the nigiri-game and chi-shi a happy new year.  I only had time for about thirty minutes of work before I had to hop in the shower.

  Thirty minutes may not seem like a good amount of time for something like Karate but a lesson I learned a long time ago was "Little and Often".  Years ago when my teacher first introduced me to the nigiri-game I went home and trained it until my hands wouldn't close. I couldn't open a door or turn my steering wheel.  Conveniently the next day my Sensei had me working bo, specifically Tokumine No Kun.  Well, needless to say I kept dropping the bo and making a spectacle of myself, upon witnessing this my Sensei stopped me and simply asked "what's wrong with you." after explaining my over indulgence in the nigiri-game the day before he shook his head and as if with a "tsk tsk" he said "little and often, little and often" and left me with my bo to continue practice.

Now this has come to mean a couple of different things to me.  It can mean not to over train.  Or it can me modesty in things.  It might mean, thirty minutes in the morning, just to do an hour after work, and another thirty before bed.  It's also interesting to ponder what "Little and Often" can mean when applied to other areas of life.  It may simply mean diligence.  Either way "little and often" has really helped guide my training and keeps me motivated,  keeps things simple.

So when feeling burned out or overly exhausted, remember.  Little and Often.