This last weekend, I qualified to compete at the AAU national championships, which will be held in Salt Lake City this year. So, I’m willing to entertain a moment of celebration!
Okay, the truth is that my spot was unchallenged and all I had to do was show up. Still, sometimes showing up is a huge win. After all, only those who showed up qualified.
Perhaps it goes without saying that “qualifying” was the easy part. However, the day still had moments of opportunity, and times worth considering. I am constantly amazed at how participating in the sport of Taekwondo reflects important life skills necessary for just surviving in the world as a productive member of society.
Serving as a referee
Previously, I briefly mentioned my internal struggle over becoming a referee in my article on perseverance. Being a Taekwondo referee during a sparring match is a prime example of trying to multi-task. You need to know the rules. You need to be able to recognize the appropriate application of the rules during an incredibly fast-paced activity. You also need to be vigilant about watching the clock, whether points go up correctly, whether the coaches on either side have objections, the proper order and method for communicating the various penalties, AND you must keep yourself out of the way so that you don’t get knocked out.
Being a referee is difficult for me. I have no natural talent—which is code for “I’m not very good at it”. It’s frustrating to me that my neural links don’t fire faster, especially since I want to serve the sport well. However, it’s also such a good reminder that there are no shortcuts in life. I can quit, or I can persevere. I can keep showing up to the referee training courses, and I can continue to volunteer, despite my “pride” taking constant beatings, or I can give up. But really, those are my options… like so many other things in life. Those are really no options at all, so I’ll keep showing up.
Sparring rounds
It’s not just refereeing, though, that gave me pause this weekend. My spot was uncontested; however, we were given the opportunity to fight rounds with anyone willing to step on the mats. As an older athlete, I do need to be careful. There’s no use pretending that I can compete with the young 15-year-old boys who jump and spin as easily as they breathe. Yet, I was able to participate enough to recognize areas that I need to work on. That alone made the weekend worthwhile.
The difference between training and competing
When I am in an actual sparring match, it becomes very apparent to me that I need to work on applying the things I learn during routine drills. I have not yet become good at taking the things I learn during class, which are often repetitive and controlled, and applying them to an actual fighting situation. So, with that understanding it will be easier for me to improve. I’m one step closer to achieving my goals. How like “life” is that? Mission accomplished.