Why must I accept with two hands?

As the Rank Test results arrived at the weekend, I have spent the week handing out new belts. It’s so wonderful to see all the new colours…

Before conducting the presentations I always explain the process: When your name is called, answer loudly and step forward. Accept the belt and certificate with both hands and bow. Turn and bow to the class. Wait until all belts have been handed out until changing yours.

“But why must I accept with two hands?”

Simple, aside from it being general etiquette, in many ways this simple act represents everything that we are trying to attain within our training. By accepting with two hands I invest one hundred percent of myself into this simple act. I am mindful. My power is concentrated. I am totally present.

Love it, to be Good at it.

A few students have come to me recently and said that they “love sparring”.

Others might say, “of course they love sparring, they are good at it”.

I would say the opposite: “They are good at it, because they love it”.

When we love something we care for it, we concentrate on it. When we love something we become more present, taking joy in the process, not the outcome.

The mind makes everything, so when we love what we are doing we can transform our present reality.

So how do we love what we are doing, no matter what? Just concentrate on the present moment, and smile… Can it be that simple?