| Nana Korobi Ya Oki - '7 Times Down 8 Times Up'On | | | | continually being reset to zero.In the first scenario, |
| the left lapel of every adult student here at Warrior | | | | the all-or-nothing mentality will cause us to simply |
| Concepts, there is a patch bearing the Japanese kanji | | | | lie-down-and-die at the first sign of trouble. In the |
| character 'NIN.' Although the kanji itself has two | | | | second, we will run ragged trying to maintain enough |
| pronunciations in Japanese, it is the original Chinese | | | | energy for a sustained assault.The truth is that, |
| meaning of "perseverance," "to endure," or "to put | | | | sometimes, we will have to endure, to persevere, to |
| up with" that we focus on heavily in the Warrior | | | | put up with things that are uncomfortable. Because, if |
| Concepts Life Mastery Program. And, even though | | | | we take action now, we will be in greater danger.So, |
| our youth students do not wear the same patch, this | | | | with the greatest of ninja skill......we wait.We wait for |
| concept is imbedded deeply into their programs as | | | | the opportunity when something can be done that |
| well.When we talk about the concept of | | | | will effect a victory for us.This is the core lesson of |
| perseverance, everyone seems to be in agreement. | | | | nana korobi ya oki. It is what allows a ninja warrior to |
| "Yes," they agree, "one should have the ability and | | | | go beyond what most others see as possible. It is |
| willingness to stay the course."But, when we look | | | | the ability to - no matter how many times we're |
| around us, why are their so few examples of this | | | | knocked down, attacked, restrained or threatened - |
| quality?In Japan, there is a saying, Nana Korobi Ya | | | | get back up and take that next important step |
| Oki, which means, "seven times down, 8 times up." It | | | | toward the fulfillment of our vision.This is one of the |
| can be seen displayed in the WCI main dojo ("training | | | | most important traits of a winner - a survivor - the |
| hall") on the noren banner hanging in the front training | | | | ability to 'go on.' That's why Hatsumi-Sensei, our |
| room surrounded by several Daruma Dolls - | | | | grand master has said for years, "Keep going!" He |
| themselves symbols of goal-setting and success.This | | | | says that you have to give everything a good effort |
| phrase, like the kanji character NIN, is a reminder that | | | | and not give up too soon. This includes your martial |
| not everything in life is (or should be) easy. If it | | | | arts training.But, to him - a ninja master - a good |
| were, there would be no need for grading in school - | | | | effort is at least ten years. He says that, if after |
| or school itself for that matter - social services and | | | | that time you're still not getting it - you're still not |
| the like. The fact is: life has difficulties.But, it's not | | | | making progress - then, and only then, should you |
| about whether or not something is difficult or easy, | | | | consider trying something else.Because in the end, it |
| but in how we deal with that thing, that makes the | | | | will not be those who sought mastery who will find it, |
| difference and brings with it the equivalent success | | | | but those who sought to master themselves with |
| or failure.In Today's culture, it seems that the | | | | the spirit that "I will find it, no matter how how many |
| drive-up-window mentality rules the day. It is this | | | | times I have to go at it or start over."It is they who |
| very "I want it now or I'll go somewhere else" | | | | will have set their minds and hearts firmly on their |
| thinking that is destroying careers, families, and | | | | vision, and with firm resolve and disciplined action, |
| society in general. When no one is willing to "stay the | | | | moved confidently into their future to attain their |
| course" and work through difficulties and challenges, | | | | goal.Life is challenging and difficult sometimes but, you |
| nothing gets better and we are perpetually stuck in a | | | | are stronger. And, the next time it knocks you down |
| "start-over" cycle.Can you imagine how disastrous | | | | - get up and keep going. And remember the Ninja |
| this could be in a self-defense situation? Where | | | | Warrior's motto:..."Never give up!"Read more articles |
| everything we do, we do with either...1) the mindset | | | | like this by subscribing to the author's newsletter at: |
| of "If this doesn't work the first time, I'll just quit," | | | | Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and master instructor |
| or...2) the inability to take the attacker down and lock | | | | of Warrior Concepts International. |
| him up, causing a situation where the fight is | | | | |