Mr. Nicklaus said something in a karate class that's stuck with me.
"A definition of Insanity is doing the same things over and over and expecting different results"
Man, easy to understand...but hard to apply sometimes.
For whatever reason, I've been the number two guy in the country the last 2 years. And I hate it. I'm not saying it's a terrible accomplishment. I just have my sights set higher. I want my focus to be on something better. So why number 2? Was the number one guy just that much better?
Truth is, anytime that I've really committed myself to it, I've won. I used to think that meant just really training hard. That's the commitment that I needed. Bologna. Really, THAT was insanity. The tournaments that I've won have been no surprise in hindsight. They are the tournaments I really emotionally and mentally as well as physically invest myself in.
So what's the deal with the other karate tournaments? In hindsight, I can see a number of reasons. Reasons like...being intimidated, not feeling worthy of it, fear of failure. Odd to admit because I've done really well in a lot of other things.
BUT when it comes to it, I'm just a Martial Arts student like the ones I teach. The only difference is that I'm further along in my training. I have to go through the same muck they do to get what I want.
This past weekend in Providence, RI was a breakthrough in a lot of different ways. Mr. Nicklaus has been helping me prepare mentally and physically for this success over the last month and half. My preparation helped me come to grips with my result I want. I didn't train for the sake of training. My training had a purpose....to take the position I wanted.
Even this weekend minutes before competing, I almost fell victim to old thinking....
"I just want this to be over so I can relax" (fear)
"What if I don't win" (fear)
"It's not that big a deal" (rationalizing)
ENOUGH. Everyone has the Battle of Thoughts.
My reply to old, dumb, fearful thoughts:
"I going to face this b/c I know the pain and ache of what happens when I just want to relax"
"Everything I want to feel happens when I win this, so I have to give everything I have. Can't worry about losing. Gotta keep focused on what I DO want to happen."
"This is a big deal b/c this is what I want, and I'm going to make it happen"
"There is no trying...I trust my body to do what it was meant to do"
Result:
I won the Ocean State Grand Nationals traditional division.
Post-plan:
I know that the guy I beat will not take the loss lightly. I will guarantee I will work even harder to make sure I keep earning what I want.
Lesson:
Defeating insanity requires a change in what you've been doing over and over to this point.
To Championship Level Training,
William Cornell
Monday, April 6, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
Green Grass, Palm Trees, In & Out Burger
I drove through a mini-blizzard to get to the Minneapolis. It wasn't bad...just had to take my time. It was worth it, though. I landed in Ontario, California stepped outside and was treated to green grass, palm trees, and weather in 70's.
No competition last Friday. Just messin' around and relaxing. Watched some good competitors. And turned it in for a good night's rest for the my main competition day the next morning. Saturday morning, I woke up, stepped outside on the balcony and basked in the sun for 20 minutes. It was AMAZING to have a hot sun on my face while I sat in my pajamas outside. No cold breeze, no snow, no hat, no sweater on...that's what I love. My friend said it perfectly, "I expect to brace myself for the wave of coldness, but then it never comes." Back to Wisconsin, but warmer weather's coming.
Competition.
You need stay disciplined when you're excited. In years past, sometimes I would warmed up and pumped up too early. I would peak too soon before showtime. Why? I didn't know to be patient and calmly wait for the right moment to start the engines. Perfect example - competition was supposed to start at 1130 am which meant I would compete around 1215 pm at the earliest. I ended up competing around 230 pm. I had to make sure I picked nutrition that would last and make sure not to prep too early.
I didn't waste energy stretching too easy, practicing moves too soon, goofing around with others too much. When it came time for showtime, I was ready. I was happy that my form felt really good. I had one little slip and, thus, second place. My mindset, however, focused on how good it felt to get the competition blood flowing and getting even more pumped for the next few months of performances. Next 3 leading into summer - Rhode Island, Quebec, Boston.
No competition last Friday. Just messin' around and relaxing. Watched some good competitors. And turned it in for a good night's rest for the my main competition day the next morning. Saturday morning, I woke up, stepped outside on the balcony and basked in the sun for 20 minutes. It was AMAZING to have a hot sun on my face while I sat in my pajamas outside. No cold breeze, no snow, no hat, no sweater on...that's what I love. My friend said it perfectly, "I expect to brace myself for the wave of coldness, but then it never comes." Back to Wisconsin, but warmer weather's coming.
Competition.
You need stay disciplined when you're excited. In years past, sometimes I would warmed up and pumped up too early. I would peak too soon before showtime. Why? I didn't know to be patient and calmly wait for the right moment to start the engines. Perfect example - competition was supposed to start at 1130 am which meant I would compete around 1215 pm at the earliest. I ended up competing around 230 pm. I had to make sure I picked nutrition that would last and make sure not to prep too early.
I didn't waste energy stretching too easy, practicing moves too soon, goofing around with others too much. When it came time for showtime, I was ready. I was happy that my form felt really good. I had one little slip and, thus, second place. My mindset, however, focused on how good it felt to get the competition blood flowing and getting even more pumped for the next few months of performances. Next 3 leading into summer - Rhode Island, Quebec, Boston.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Bunch of Karate Guys from La Crosse Tearin' it Up at 2009 Minnesota State Championships
Nicklaus' Martial Arts America's Tournament Team was well represented at the MN State Championship. The competition lets each student practice Leadership Skills such as perseverance, accepting challenges, discipline in practice, focus, performing in front of a crowd and many more.
Not everybody does tournaments, but everybody in our karate school in La Crosse gets exposed to what it takes to Be A Champion
Our results:
-Junior Girl's Grand Form Champ & 1st Runner Up
-Junior Boys Form Grand Champ
-Junior Boy's Weapons Grand Champ 1st Runner Up
-16 - 1st places
-5 - 2nd's
-5 - 3rd's
-1 -Finalist
Check out the vids.
-wc3
Not everybody does tournaments, but everybody in our karate school in La Crosse gets exposed to what it takes to Be A Champion
Our results:
-Junior Girl's Grand Form Champ & 1st Runner Up
-Junior Boys Form Grand Champ
-Junior Boy's Weapons Grand Champ 1st Runner Up
-16 - 1st places
-5 - 2nd's
-5 - 3rd's
-1 -Finalist
Check out the vids.
-wc3
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
The 2008 Diamond Nationals
Preface
You push and you push and YOU PUSH. All the hard work you do sometimes seems to go for not as you fall just short of all you wish to accomplish.
What keeps a person motivated to keep showing up everyday to do the work necessary to bring him/her closer to one's goal? Especially when the goal doesn't come to fruition as quickly as one hopes. Are you even getting closer? Are you even getting better?
(smiles)
Hard to deal with, huh?
The last year and a half has been challenging. My competition goals have been met with adversity, and sometimes I wondered if I what I was doing was worth it and was getting me closer to what I wanted. I've been ranked number 2 in the country for the last 2 years in Traditional Japanese form on the NASKA (North American Sport Karate Association) Circuit. Yes, at least, that's an accomplishment in of itself BUT something I didn't want to settle for.
I showed up to every tournament wanting to be recognized as Number 1 -- often times going home disappointed with 2nd place. Going home with number 2 is not ok when all your pushing for is the top. I never let that affect my attitude or how I treat people, but personally, my goal is number 1.
My training this year, however, was reached a new level. Yes, I've worked hard to do it, but I could not have done it without the help and mentorship of my two main mentors/instructors/coaches/senseis -- Mr. Fred Nicklaus & Mrs. Suzann Wancket-Yue. Whatever the title is, they are in my most trusted circle. They've helped me cultivate the winning performance and winning mindset of a champion. When you find someone who helps you do that, it's important to listen and soak up every bit of information and advice that they have to offer. They forever have my gratitude and loyalty. Thank you, Mr. Nicklaus & Sensei Wancket-Yue.
In addition, if I haven't already, I want to pass on my sincerest thanks to all those that have given me their support and energy in helping me achieve my goals. Also, thanks to everyone that cheered and rooted for me at the tournament. It's another challenge for me to really show the level of appreciation I have for all the support and energy that you've given me. In part, I try to say thank you by representing the best professionalism, respect, and humbleness as a competitor that I can. Thank you, again!
Competition
For the last month, I've been obviously training physically for the Diamond Natinoals, but what has made the biggest difference has been the mental preparation that I've done. Again, Mr. Nicklaus and Sensei Wancket-Yue have helped me do that. I've pictured and rehearsed my Diamond Nationals weekend long before it ever happened.
What I mean is that I imagined the feeling, the sights, the sounds, the experiences that I would have even before the weekend happened. I even went to the hotel a week or two before the tournament and scouted out the area to make sure I was going to be as comfortable as possible (since the tournament location moved this year, I wanted familiarize my mind with the new environment).
I imagined and planned how I would prepare for competition, how I would compete, and how I would do things after I competed -- all with the common denominator -- my winning the 2008 Diamond Nationals. I've to come to recognize an important skill in preparation (it's not a secret, it's been around for years). You must prepare as if you've already done it -- makes sense not prepare with anything else but the intent to do what you set out to do.
Steve Meade played a big in helping me as well. He prepared a customized relaxation & visualization CD that helped me to imagine and visualize my success at the Diamond Nationals. I listened to the CD everyday at least twice. Get a hold of Mr. Meade to help you out at SteveMeade.com
Here's my daytime performance. I won 1st place.
In the night time finals, I tied for the Grand Championship and lost in the tie breaker. I'll post the performance when the DVD comes out.
All in all, one of the best weekends I've had in competition. I thank you again for the support and energy. It undoubtedly helped me achieve what I did this weekend. I did everything I set out to do save one little detail, but that's why you keep pushing.
Warmest Regards,
wc3
You push and you push and YOU PUSH. All the hard work you do sometimes seems to go for not as you fall just short of all you wish to accomplish.
What keeps a person motivated to keep showing up everyday to do the work necessary to bring him/her closer to one's goal? Especially when the goal doesn't come to fruition as quickly as one hopes. Are you even getting closer? Are you even getting better?
(smiles)
Hard to deal with, huh?
The last year and a half has been challenging. My competition goals have been met with adversity, and sometimes I wondered if I what I was doing was worth it and was getting me closer to what I wanted. I've been ranked number 2 in the country for the last 2 years in Traditional Japanese form on the NASKA (North American Sport Karate Association) Circuit. Yes, at least, that's an accomplishment in of itself BUT something I didn't want to settle for.
I showed up to every tournament wanting to be recognized as Number 1 -- often times going home disappointed with 2nd place. Going home with number 2 is not ok when all your pushing for is the top. I never let that affect my attitude or how I treat people, but personally, my goal is number 1.
My training this year, however, was reached a new level. Yes, I've worked hard to do it, but I could not have done it without the help and mentorship of my two main mentors/instructors/coaches/senseis -- Mr. Fred Nicklaus & Mrs. Suzann Wancket-Yue. Whatever the title is, they are in my most trusted circle. They've helped me cultivate the winning performance and winning mindset of a champion. When you find someone who helps you do that, it's important to listen and soak up every bit of information and advice that they have to offer. They forever have my gratitude and loyalty. Thank you, Mr. Nicklaus & Sensei Wancket-Yue.
In addition, if I haven't already, I want to pass on my sincerest thanks to all those that have given me their support and energy in helping me achieve my goals. Also, thanks to everyone that cheered and rooted for me at the tournament. It's another challenge for me to really show the level of appreciation I have for all the support and energy that you've given me. In part, I try to say thank you by representing the best professionalism, respect, and humbleness as a competitor that I can. Thank you, again!
Competition
For the last month, I've been obviously training physically for the Diamond Natinoals, but what has made the biggest difference has been the mental preparation that I've done. Again, Mr. Nicklaus and Sensei Wancket-Yue have helped me do that. I've pictured and rehearsed my Diamond Nationals weekend long before it ever happened.
What I mean is that I imagined the feeling, the sights, the sounds, the experiences that I would have even before the weekend happened. I even went to the hotel a week or two before the tournament and scouted out the area to make sure I was going to be as comfortable as possible (since the tournament location moved this year, I wanted familiarize my mind with the new environment).
I imagined and planned how I would prepare for competition, how I would compete, and how I would do things after I competed -- all with the common denominator -- my winning the 2008 Diamond Nationals. I've to come to recognize an important skill in preparation (it's not a secret, it's been around for years). You must prepare as if you've already done it -- makes sense not prepare with anything else but the intent to do what you set out to do.
Steve Meade played a big in helping me as well. He prepared a customized relaxation & visualization CD that helped me to imagine and visualize my success at the Diamond Nationals. I listened to the CD everyday at least twice. Get a hold of Mr. Meade to help you out at SteveMeade.com
Here's my daytime performance. I won 1st place.
In the night time finals, I tied for the Grand Championship and lost in the tie breaker. I'll post the performance when the DVD comes out.
All in all, one of the best weekends I've had in competition. I thank you again for the support and energy. It undoubtedly helped me achieve what I did this weekend. I did everything I set out to do save one little detail, but that's why you keep pushing.
Warmest Regards,
wc3
Thursday, October 2, 2008
2008 Southern Wisconsin Open - Verona, WI
Another great tournament by Jeff Christianson - Owner/Master Instructor of Karate America, Verona.
Thanks, Mr. Slaby, for the video footage -- technical difficulties with my camera ;)
Thanks, Mr. Slaby, for the video footage -- technical difficulties with my camera ;)
Monday, September 8, 2008
THE BIG APPLE
New York City, New York --
My first time in New York City for anything. In the past, I really didn't try to see much of the surrounding city when I competed at tournaments. Not that I went out of my way to check things out, but I went walking around New York City and even made it Times Square.
(Click to see it Larger)
It was cool to see. I don't think it's an amazing attraction to go see again for the sake of seeing it, but it was cool to see. If I saw some shows, then I think the experience would be a lot cooler.
It's funny the bad reputation that New York City cab drivers get, BUT they DESERVE IT! My first cab ride in the Big Apple, and I had to give the cab driver directions. Luckily my phone has google maps. I was prepared to pay more money, too, for the cab ride, but I figured 8 miles from the airport to the hotel couldn't be TOO bad --- wrong. The total was $105 from the airport to the hotel! Good thing I had someone to split it. The cab had a tv in it to watch certain things like news and updates, but the cab driver doesn't have GPS. When I was in Korea, every cab had GPS -- ah well. When it came time to tip, he pointed at three options 25, 20, or 15% on the touch screen monitor. He explained it like I had to pick one of those, but I figured out his deal. I gave him 0%. I'm one to tip if earned, but if I gotta give you directions in my first visit in the city, you don't get a tip.
(please note, I still have a smile on my face in describing the situation because it's easy to laugh at. I certainly didn't like the bill, but what are you gonna do...OH, by the way, I took a shuttle back to the airport, and the guy was a pro. So I gave him a $15 tip.)
The Tournament Part
I've got my system down now. You want to make sure to get plenty of sleep, eat the right foods, don't warm up too soon, be patient, and ATTACK THE FORM. I tied for 1st place for the second tournament in a row and lost the tie breaker. I'm pressing so hard. What do you have to do? You can't sit on your hands and cry about it.
I received some encouraging words from one of the judges who knows her stuff who said not to worry but to keep pressing. I also spoke to one of the parents that I know whose daughter competes and she asked me what I am going to do to make it different. I told her that I'm going to focus on my performance and energy. The guy that beat me at the tournament has good energy so that's where I get him because I know my technique is great.
Check the form below.
Best,
wc3
My first time in New York City for anything. In the past, I really didn't try to see much of the surrounding city when I competed at tournaments. Not that I went out of my way to check things out, but I went walking around New York City and even made it Times Square.
It was cool to see. I don't think it's an amazing attraction to go see again for the sake of seeing it, but it was cool to see. If I saw some shows, then I think the experience would be a lot cooler.
It's funny the bad reputation that New York City cab drivers get, BUT they DESERVE IT! My first cab ride in the Big Apple, and I had to give the cab driver directions. Luckily my phone has google maps. I was prepared to pay more money, too, for the cab ride, but I figured 8 miles from the airport to the hotel couldn't be TOO bad --- wrong. The total was $105 from the airport to the hotel! Good thing I had someone to split it. The cab had a tv in it to watch certain things like news and updates, but the cab driver doesn't have GPS. When I was in Korea, every cab had GPS -- ah well. When it came time to tip, he pointed at three options 25, 20, or 15% on the touch screen monitor. He explained it like I had to pick one of those, but I figured out his deal. I gave him 0%. I'm one to tip if earned, but if I gotta give you directions in my first visit in the city, you don't get a tip.
(please note, I still have a smile on my face in describing the situation because it's easy to laugh at. I certainly didn't like the bill, but what are you gonna do...OH, by the way, I took a shuttle back to the airport, and the guy was a pro. So I gave him a $15 tip.)
The Tournament Part
I've got my system down now. You want to make sure to get plenty of sleep, eat the right foods, don't warm up too soon, be patient, and ATTACK THE FORM. I tied for 1st place for the second tournament in a row and lost the tie breaker. I'm pressing so hard. What do you have to do? You can't sit on your hands and cry about it.
I received some encouraging words from one of the judges who knows her stuff who said not to worry but to keep pressing. I also spoke to one of the parents that I know whose daughter competes and she asked me what I am going to do to make it different. I told her that I'm going to focus on my performance and energy. The guy that beat me at the tournament has good energy so that's where I get him because I know my technique is great.
Check the form below.
Best,
wc3
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