Commitment
Are you the chicken or are you the pig?
I will be the first to admit that there is life outside the dojo. I would expect that any self-respecting karateka would be able to set and maintain priorities. Duties revolving around family, school, work, health, should not be neglected. But karate is a harsh mistress… involvement in the art can only carry you so far – advancing beyond the simple punching, blocking, and kicking requires commitment. Tennis star Martina Navratilova said “The difference between involvement and commitment is like ham and eggs. The chicken is involved; the pig is committed.”
“there is no room in the winner’s circle for chickens”
In the days leading up to the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver, the CBC aired an interview with a Canadian Olympic medal hopeful. She discussed the level of commitment needed to be an Olympic athlete. Echoing Navratilova`s comments, she examined being a champion in terms of breakfast: bacon and eggs. The chicken is involved in your breakfast; it lays an egg and that is all that is required. The pig, however, must give up his life for you to enjoy your bacon – that is commitment. When it comes to the Olympics, athletes must be the pig – there is no room in the winner’s circle for chickens.
The same can be applied to karate training. To reap the rewards of serious karate training a certain level of commitment is required. So, when it comes to your karate practice there is but one simple and obvious question: Are you the chicken or are you the pig?
At the Charles Fink Karate Dojo, we understand that life balance is important. We stand committed to helping you get the most out of your karate training.