Welcome to the first post in my new blog. Since this is about beginnings, I thought I’d write about what it’s like to be a white belt again. Yes. Me. I am a white belt again—in building websites. The site at which you are now looking was built by yours truly. What does this have to do with kids karate you ask? As it turns out, a lot.
Sensei Matt became a white belt again--in building websites.
A good webmaster could build this site in a few weeks. Me—it took over a year. Why? I now remember the frustrations of being a white belt again. I had to call the web hosting company countless times to have them walk me through something I did not understand. I cringed at their impatience, as I just couldn’t get it. Well, not all of them were impatient—most were quite good. When I called the help line it was potluck. Dozens of times I had to go to the website forums to get answers to questions I didn’t even know how to ask. I waited for replies that sometimes never came. I searched google to ask “Why is my website showing as a blank white page,” or “Why has my website crashed?”
And the language. There was HTML, CSS, Photoshop, W3 Validation, FTP, etc., etc. It might as well have been hieroglyphics. How do you get problems solved when you don’t know the language? Well, I had to learn. There were online tutorials, books, forums, and conversations with experts. It is amazing how many people want to help if you just ask for their advice. I now have great respect for people in this field; they must know so many things.
There were so many times I was tempted to throw in the towel. Hire someone to do it for me. But, like any white belt, I enjoy a challenge. Each time I encountered a problem, I found a way to solve it. It might have taken me a day, or even a week, I didn’t care. There was always a solution. Each time I found a solution my confidence grew. And guess what? I learned a lot.
When I walk through the class as we are practising a kata, I see the looks on the children’s faces. Utter frustration, the “I will never get this” look. I can now better relate to their feelings. I can now see what kind of Sensei they need. They need someone like that kind patient person on the web hosting help line that got me through a tough, frustrating time without making me feel like a complete idiot.
Let’s face it. In the website development world I am a nobody—a big zero. But I’m learning, and part of the joy of learning is exploring the unknown, overcoming the fear of failure, and reveling in our new knowledge. Learning new things is what keeps us young at heart. I will probably never be a black belt in building websites, but I am still learning and I will not give up.
What did I learn from all of this? I learned that everyone should become a white belt again just to feel what it’s like to be someone just starting out on their journey. More than anything, this experience has taught me about patience; with myself, as well as with others. And white belts; never be afraid to ask for help.
Kids Karate Sensei Becomes White Belt Again is an original article from Sensei Matt Klein. For more information check our kids karate classes in Sydney.
Hi Matt,
What a great wordpress website! I like how you drew a parallel to learning karate as it is so true in anything.
In my day job I am a windows system administrator. Many times I’ll end up taking on a new project and have to tough it through until I understand what the heck I am doing and come up with a solution.
You have (again) shown you have what it takes to succeed (in anything) as this site is very well put together as far as I can tell. It goes well with your school motif/theme.
By the way I added your blog to my interesting blogs side bar so as you publish new posts, it will sort in the list.
Take care Matt,
John
Thanks for your comments and vote of confidence, John. I have to admit I drew some inspiration from your excellent blog. This process of building a website has proved enlightening.
Within You Is The Strength
To Meet Life’s Challenges!
You are stronger than you think,
remember to stand tall.
Every challenge in your life
helps you to grow.
Every problem you encounter
strengthens your mind and your soul.
Every trouble you overcome
increases your understanding of life.
When all your troubles weigh
heavily on your shoulders,
remember that beneath the burden
you can stand tall,
because you are never given
more than you can handle…
and you are stronger than you think.
—————————————-
Awesome website….you did a great job!!!
Well said Rachel. Thank you.
Matt you are an all rounder artist 🙂
Great job Sensei 🙂
Thanks Sinem, in the days of the Samurai, a warrior was expected to fight battles, write poetry, draw beautiful calligraphy, and serve tea properly–all in a day! I strive to be half as good.
The Kenpo Creed
I Come To You With Only Karate,
My Empty Hands,
I Have No Weapons,
But Should I Be Forced To Defend Myself My Principles,
Or My Honour,
Should It Be A Matter of Life Or Death,
Or Right Or Wrong,
Then These Are My Weapons,
Karate,
My Empty Hands.
Awesome Job! Sensei
When you know a thing, to hold that you know it; and when you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it – this is knowledge. – Confucius
I think you have done a great Job Matt, its not easy learning a new skill or starting again, I am very proud that these are the values we empart on our students. Congratulations once again!
Zoltan
Thanks Shandor and Zoltan. Sometimes when you think you are at the end of a journey you say “is that’s all there is”? I am learning that the journey is never done. There will always be more to learn. My cup is but half full.
“Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living; the other helps you make a life.
well done great job on the web site and also on the great work you do with the kids.I am so proud of how Hayley has grown in all different ways,Many thanks
Mark
Thanks for your vote of confidence on both accounts. Of course I can’t take all the credit for Hayley’s progress. She is a very good martial artist.
Matt, you redefine renaissance man and give us all something to strive for, thanks for your efforts and perserverence
Peter
Thanks Peter, I don’t know about the renaissance man thing, especially as I stumbled and bumbled my way through this project, but yes, I’ll give you the perseverance–it is one of my strongest traits.
I love this article Matt. It has really touched me and inspired me to keep going and learning. Thank you.
Thanks Ivana, glad I was able to be an inspiration not just to the kids, but also to us adults.
Great job with the website Matt! Ive only browsed it a few times but every time I do u still some how manage to keep teaching me something. The articles that put up continually stay one step ahead, reflects your level as a teacher/instructor as u always stay one step ahead of us in karate as well even though some of us keep catching up……i hope i can apply this same level of enthusiasm in my martial arts and my career as a teacher engaging my students to unleash their full potential.