Rob
7th April 2001, 08:22
Hi all..
There have been a number of references in previous posts here to what can be achieved by Olympic standard athletes or the learning curve of the 'old masters'.
I am in the slightly unusual (for me) position of being able to comment with some degree of knowledge on this.. I don't actually know any old samurai masters but my father did coach a number of athletes, two of whom competed for their countries at the Olympics and one of whom held the world record for the marathon for a time.
Sooo I asked him about coaching etc and he basically said there are two differences between the 'wannabe's and the 'made it's'.
1) Ability, the total potential that your body posses due to genetic and environmental factors... if ya ain't got it , ya aint got it.
2) Desire. How badly do you want it. Olympic athletes almost without exception are now full time athletes. Those that aren't devote that vast majority of their 'free' time to their sport. I have met through my father a number of high level athletes and most of them are incredibly focussed on their sport, it really is their 'life' in a way that many people who talk about budo and following the 'way' can only dream about.
My point being that, the Samurai knew if they didn't study and practice they were quite likely to die ! Modern Olympic athletes have nothing short of a obssessive desire for victory. Whilst clearly a better standard of teaching is or was vital for both of these groups it is the level of motivation that distinguishes them from ordinary guys.
Having said that my father did point out that whilst there has been some improvement in athletes potential due to better nutrition etc the massive improvements in athletics times, distances achieved etc are down to a combination of new technology: tracks, shoes, kit etc and a much more scientific approach to coaching.
Personally I like the slightly more mystical approach, I like being forced to work things out for myself and I enjoy helping my students experience the feeling of flowing like water.
On the other hand if I've moved my left foot instead of my right I want someone to tell me that, not to "be more at one with the oneness that is all ".
As ever just my rambling (but for once slight better informed than usual - thanks Dad!) thoughts.
There have been a number of references in previous posts here to what can be achieved by Olympic standard athletes or the learning curve of the 'old masters'.
I am in the slightly unusual (for me) position of being able to comment with some degree of knowledge on this.. I don't actually know any old samurai masters but my father did coach a number of athletes, two of whom competed for their countries at the Olympics and one of whom held the world record for the marathon for a time.
Sooo I asked him about coaching etc and he basically said there are two differences between the 'wannabe's and the 'made it's'.
1) Ability, the total potential that your body posses due to genetic and environmental factors... if ya ain't got it , ya aint got it.
2) Desire. How badly do you want it. Olympic athletes almost without exception are now full time athletes. Those that aren't devote that vast majority of their 'free' time to their sport. I have met through my father a number of high level athletes and most of them are incredibly focussed on their sport, it really is their 'life' in a way that many people who talk about budo and following the 'way' can only dream about.
My point being that, the Samurai knew if they didn't study and practice they were quite likely to die ! Modern Olympic athletes have nothing short of a obssessive desire for victory. Whilst clearly a better standard of teaching is or was vital for both of these groups it is the level of motivation that distinguishes them from ordinary guys.
Having said that my father did point out that whilst there has been some improvement in athletes potential due to better nutrition etc the massive improvements in athletics times, distances achieved etc are down to a combination of new technology: tracks, shoes, kit etc and a much more scientific approach to coaching.
Personally I like the slightly more mystical approach, I like being forced to work things out for myself and I enjoy helping my students experience the feeling of flowing like water.
On the other hand if I've moved my left foot instead of my right I want someone to tell me that, not to "be more at one with the oneness that is all ".
As ever just my rambling (but for once slight better informed than usual - thanks Dad!) thoughts.