Adapt

Summary

The article recounts a family tradition of cutting the ends off a ham before cooking, which was traced back to a practical reason that became obsolete over generations, and draws a parallel to martial artists' need to understand and adapt techniques that truly work for them.

Abstract

The narrative unfolds during a family celebration for great grandma's 100th birthday, where a tradition of cutting the ends off the ham is passed down through four generations. When the practicality of this tradition is questioned, it is revealed that the original reason—a small roasting pan—was no longer relevant, yet the practice persisted. The author, Larry Nowicki, uses this anecdote to encourage martial artists to critically evaluate their practices. He advises them to understand the effectiveness of their techniques, to study the underlying principles, and to adapt them in a way that is simple, resourceful, and personalized. The article emphasizes the importance of knowing why certain methods work and making them one's own, rather than following tradition blindly.

Opinions

Martial artists should critically assess their practices to ensure they are effective and not just traditional.
There is value in understanding the reasons behind the effectiveness of certain techniques.
It is important to adapt practices to one's own circumstances and tools, rather than adhering strictly to how they have always been done.
Simplicity and resourcefulness are key in making techniques work for the individual.
The author appreciates the audience's choice to engage with his content and invites them to explore more of his work for additional insights.

Adapt

Adapt to what works for you.

A story I’ve heard many times and was reminded of again by a friend, John Borter.

Four generations were getting together to celebrate great grandma’s 100th birthday. The granddaughter was totally thrilled to have the entire family at her and her husband’s new home and she was making sure she was being an excellent host. When it was time for her to cook dinner, she cut the ends off the ham before putting it in the oven. Her husband asked rather shyly “Honey, why do you cut the ends off the ham?” She replied “It's a family tradition. My mom always did that.” With the entire family at the house, this was a great opportunity to ask her mom why she did that. She went to her mother and asked “Mom, why do we cut the ends off the ham?”. Her mother said “Because we always do. That’s what your grandmother always did. Why don’t we go ask her.” They went into the living room and there saw grandma all happy surrounded by her loved ones. They asked Grandma “Grandma why do you cut the ends off the ham?”. Grandma said “because that’s what my mother always used to do.” All three women were totally perplexed but this was an ideal opportunity to get to the bottom of this four-generation tradition. They all went into the sitting room where great-grandma was beaming with happiness as she held her great-great-grandchildren on her lap. They asked her “Great-grandma, we have a question. Why do you cut the ends off the ham before putting it in the oven?”. Great-grandma looks at all of them laughed and said: “it’s very simple my dear. I cut the ends off the ham… because my roasting pan was too small”.

Martial artists- let me ask you a question. Is your roasting pan too small?

Find out what works.

Study why it works.

Figure how to make it work for you.

Keep it simple.

Use what is available.

Make it work.

Thanks for being here. You could have been elsewhere but chose to be here.

If you enjoyed this or found it helpful check out more of my stuff

https://larrynowicki.medium.com/