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How do we learn?

You learn by doing. You learn by thinking. You learn by trying hard, by falling down a few times, and trying again. If you make a mistake, learn why it did not work well. The next time you try, it will be a little better. You can imagine what should happen and then compare the result with what does happen.

Mostly you have to remember not to worry if something doesn’t work out the way you planned. Although some people may laugh at you, it is because they don’t understand what you are doing. A martial artist will never laugh at or make bad comments to someone who is trying something new, even if it takes him many tries to achieve the good things that result when you practice. A martial artist will smile with a practice partner to encourage them to try again and to show that you understand that it is not easy.

The most experienced martial artist was not born being able to do everything he can do now. Even your teacher was once a white belt beginner and had to learn all the steps that you are learning today. If you are willing to work hard, you can go where your teacher has gone before.