The Fox and the Rabbit

Greetings Team,


I wanted to share with you another Metaphor that Professor shared with us during his visit a few weekends ago. This concept, Team, is such an amazing illustration of how to look at Jiu Jitsu, self defense, and fighting. The best part, Team, is that with all Metaphors in Jiu Jitsu, it can be applied as a great philosophical lesson for life.

Let's talk today about the Fox and the Rabbit. The Rabbit is the prey of the Fox. He is fighting for his life. He will do absolutely EVERYTHING he can do to escape. It's life or death. On the other hand, the Fox is the hunter. He can take his time hunting the Rabbit. If he makes a mistake and the Rabbit gets away, he need not fret. There will always be another Rabbit.

The idea here Team, is that when you are going for your technique in a fight or a ring, your opponent will do ANYTHING to survive. He is the prey. If you understand that, then you must understand that all of your techniques must be "perfect". If you make one mistake... if you leave one opening...he will get away. In a street fight, that could be very costly. Remember Team, you are the Fox. Make sure you excecute your skills to perfection. And, if he defends it, there is ALWAYS another move. Don't be impatient and force the issue. If you do, your opponent is sure to capitalize on your mistakes.

So how do we make our moves "perfect"? Focused practice day to day. Week to week. Month to month. You may have heard me say often, "Many want to be good...but, not many know how to get good." You have to take your time each day on the mats to get ALL of the mechanics of your move memorized. Each day you remember a litte bit more than the day before. No matter what the skill. Each day you chip away at the technique. Think of artists who create ice sculptures. They chip away at this huge block of ice until they see the beautiful statue they envisioned in their mind. Our process is no different. We are shown the proper technique by our instructor. Each day we chip away at it until our move resembles the one he demonstrated.

The underlying themes here Team, are PATIENCE and ATTENTION TO DETAIL. Skills that, for sure, make our lives easier and happier. The beauty of training in the martial arts is that, the mental skills we gain on the mats, we can apply to EVERY aspect of our lives.

So my encouragement for you this week, Team, is to be the Fox. Take your time. Get excellent at all the basic mechanics in the skills you are refining. Remind yourself to be patient, and to pay attention to detail. And remember....there will ALWAYS be another Rabbit. :)

I truely hope you gained some benefit from this today, Team!


ALL THE BEST!

COACH