JOURNAL OF THE WISE RACCOON

What’s wrong with being smug? Nothing. A harmless feeling of contentment with oneself.

Something we should all strive for. It’s a good place to be. We should all be smug.

Really, I don’t know why smugness gets a bad rap. I mean if you don’t have it, don’t knock it. That’s selfish and rude. Not wanting other people to feel good about themselves because you can’t feel good about yourself makes you twice the loser.

It is done. End of a chapter. Got my black belt in American Karate. It always takes time for things to sink in, and the test was 3 weeks ago, but now I have the belt in hand and a purty certificate which I shall hang in the living room as constant evidence of my bad-assness.

On a slightly related note: while my Dr says I don’t have ADHD, I disagree. It just presents differently in me because I am special. First physical program I have stuck to for, shit, 3 years! That is major considering in my former life I had a dubious lack of staying power with my work out programs.

I want to clarify for some certain individuals (ahem ) that contrary to common perception a black belt in actuality signifies a commitment to The Way (of life) and notes the end of your basic training during which time you acquired the foundation skills to begin more advanced training. It does not mean you are Jet Li.

Below is my favorite description of martial arts. Thanks to Goju girl (whoever you are let me know if you want credit ).

Martial Arts is an artistic expression where self-defence is the medium. It is not impossible to be peaceful and a warrior.

It is the discipline of practise that develops character. It is strength of character that will keep you alive on the street.

I also like Wikipedia’s description which I will put here for those who don’t want to read the whole article I linked above:

“In contrast to the “black belt as master” stereotype, a black belt commonly indicates the wearer is competent in a style’s basic technique and principles.”

While the concept of a black and white answer to “true” karate (or anything for that matter) is a nice idea, it’s really not a realistic one. Martial arts does for you what you want it to do for you: Compete, accomplish a goal, get exercise, meditate, it is your own journey.

I wanted to clear this up for my peeps because most Westerners (even black belts shockingly ) are unaware of just how many styles of karate there are. And some of my good friends who have taken this journey with me were questioned by well meaning (???) friends who didn’t understand what American Karate is. Go study! I did and I still do. The world is evolving and so is martial arts.

It seems contrary to the spirit of martial arts to be questioning another person’s journey, especially when they are nearing a major milestone or even their ultimate goal. (Not everyone keeps training.) At the very least, it’s just disrespectful of their investment of time and energy. =) So shut up already if you don’t have a black belt yourself, and if you do, shame on you for not being supportive, whoever you are. =D

(I am actually quite well versed in this martial arts controversy and philosophy and would be more than happy to engage in lively dialogue with anyone on this subject. As you can see. )

Don’t get me wrong, while I have adopted karate as a means to self-improvement, awareness and active meditation, if you piss me off enough I will still kick your ass.

And look good doing it. Hahaha.

PS: Kampai to karate hotties everywhere, thank you Michelle Waterson for coining that. Haha.

(*Muay Thai: I tried it, it’s all right. It’s definitely the most efficient stand up defense but it’s just too much hitting and not enough artistic expression for me, heh. I believe my new school incorporates it once a week which is fine by me. Always good to know how to hit someone or defend from being hit. And then hit them back! )

Thank you, baby for getting some pics of our humble performance heh on such short notice after coming home. =)