Kevin Leavitt

 

Logan, you hit the nail on the head. I had the same thoughts when I read thes post above yours. I know of a very dedicated nidan (non-akikido) that has always embraced the concept of beginner's mind, but a little too much. He is very parochial in his approach to things, and never questions, and constantly does kata and trains repetitively over and over. Result is he has become very good at techniques.

However, he does not understand practical applications and is not very adaptive. He has not really internalized his Martial Art, 'made it his own".

There is beginner's mind. To me it is always about not having preconceived notions about expectations or what is layed before us. It is not about blindly accepting things or having such humility that you cannot have an opinion!