I’m doing a little mental review from a seminar I just attended.
There were some SERIOUS gems of knowledge dropped on that mat, and I can say without a doubt that it was more than worth the investment. And if there was an opportunity to learn from David Onuma again, I would jump on it in an instant.
But beyond the technique (secret squirrel stuff OH BOY), one small bit of philosophy shined bright.
First though, imagine this:
Suddenly, out of nowhere, you had to urge to do something that must people will never do. You decide to focus on mastering just one technique and devote weeks to that project.
At first, you struggle. You fail. Over and over again. But you soldier on, and it starts to click.
And then after all that work, you reached a high level of proficiency. And then you have an opportunity. By chance, you find yourself in that position against a higher belt.
What do you think is going to happen?
You just might succeed.
Whoa. You’ve been practicing, and in that specific situation, you are the expert, even against higher belts. They only have a chance if they’ve spent as much time as you have practicing their defense.
If not, shock and awe them.
No mercy.
When technique is precise, it works. And it has no respect at all (if only I could do Rodney Dangerfield’s voice justice).
Skill is absolutely situational. Anyone can be beat if you put them in a situation where they are a novice and you are a master.