To Practicality
The Black Belt was once again at a tournament. He understood the limitations of tournaments, but still enjoyed the competition and comradery. He had been a black belt now for just over a year. During that time, he had broadened his focus, making friends and finding people who had something to teach him. There was always something to learn.
His current opponent was a young black belt whose Sensei was the martial arts editor for a national magazine. They had gotten together because their respective senseis were friends. it was alway fun to compete with his friend and brother at the tournaments.
The Black Belt had also found a very intelligent and capable sensei some distance from his home base. He had gotten in the habit of travelling the 100 miles one way to spend Saturday studying with Sensei. The teaching of his main sensei and this new sensei seemed to mesh quite well. They would get a good workout in the early evening, then go to Sensei’s house to eat, have some wine and talk philosophy. It was very beneficial to the Black Belt.
One Saturday, the Black Belt arrived and found that Sensei’s family had gone to Japan, so it was just the two of them at the house after workout. Sensei decided that was the perfect time to teach the Black Belt how to take chokes and punches to the throat. It did not seem like a thrilling prospect to the Black Belt, but he trusted Sensei. He was game.
The lesson went well, even though the Black Belt was a bit hoarse when it was over. It would prove to be a valuable lesson.
The Black Belt was facing his friend in the tournament ring. His friend was quick and tricky. It was nerly impossible to get a clean shot at him. They were sparring medium contact, which, at the black belt level in those days, meant that if you didn’t maim your opponent, draw vlood or knock him out, that was “medium contact”. They clashed a few times with no points being scored. Suddenly, the Black Belts friend flashed towards him veering to his left as he approached. Next thing he knew, the Black Belt was flat on his back, thanking his training for breaking his fall. His friend had expertly executed a ridge hand to the Black Belt’s throat. The Black Belt silently thanked Sensei for the lesson on that night they were alone. He got up, dusted himself off and said, “Nice technique.”
The Black Belt lost the match, but got brownie points from the judges for his good sportsmanship. The Black Belt had an enjoyable time cheering his friend on to the championship of the tournament.
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