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MAKING YOUR BIGGEST WEAKNESS,
YOUR GREATEST STRENGTH
Last weekend amidst all of the hype of the NCAA Basketball Tournaments you may have missed one of the most remarkable stories in college sports. We can learn a lot from the real life story of Anthony Robles. Anthony is an Arizona State University multi-year All-American wrestler who I have the honor and privilege of caring for as his team physician. Anthony was born with only one leg and epitomizes the concept of turning his biggest weakness in to his greatest strength. Please take a few minutes to be inspired by his story as he became a national champion!
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NCAA Wrestling National Championships Division 1
Anthony Robles vs. Matt McDonough |
This real life story reminds me of the Zen story about a 10 year old boy who decided to study Judo despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a devastating car accident. The boy began lessons with an old Judo master. The boy thought he was doing well, so he couldn't understand why, after three months of training the master had taught him only one move. "Sensei," the boy finally said, "Shouldn't I be learning more moves?" "This is the only move you know, but this is the only move you'll ever need to know," the Sensei replied. Not quite understanding, but believing in his teacher, the boy kept training. Several months later, the Sensei took the boy to his first tournament. Surprising himself, the boy easily won his first two matches. The third match proved to be more difficult, but after some time, his opponent became impatient and charged; the boy skillfully used his one move to win the match. Still amazed by his success, the boy was now in the finals. This time, his opponent was bigger, stronger, and far more experienced. For a while, the boy appeared to be overmatched. Concerned that the boy might get hurt, the referee called a time-out. He was about to stop the match when the Sensei intervened. "No, let him continue!" the Sensei insisted. Soon after the match resumed, his opponent made a critical mistake. He dropped his guard. Instantly, the boy used his move to pin him. The boy had won the match and the tournament. He was the champion. On the way home, the boy and Sensei reviewed every move in each and every match. Then the boy summoned the courage to ask what was really on his mind. "Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?" "You won for two reasons," the Sensei answered. "First, you've nearly mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of Judo. And second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grab your left arm." The moral of this story is that the boy's biggest weakness had become his greatest strength.
So what lessons can we learn from this Zen story and the example of Anthony Robles? We can learn that each of our weaknesses is actually an opportunity to create strength. Although most of us have not been burdened with such dramatic challenges as these examples we all face innate weaknesses and circumstances that are beyond our control. The real message here is that we should see these difficulties as opportunities for improvement and there is no easier way for us to improve than to utilize these weaknesses to create strength.
This is certainly true for martial arts training and in all facets of our daily lives. Dr. Foley has taught us many times that the quickest way to improve in the martial arts is to work on the techniques and skills that we have difficulty performing rather than those with which we are more confident. Take this opportunity to reflect on your martial arts training and your life. It is time to turn your weaknesses into your greatest strengths.
One final thought. Take another minute to be inspired by another truly incredible video.
 | | Motivational Video |
KAIZEN!!!!
Steven M. Erickson
© Copyright 2009-11 Steven M. Erickson, MD
All rights reserved. Ki Inspiring Thoughts.
The Center for Humane Living. |
