I went to my brother's Judo Tournament hosted by San Francisco State University on Sunday. I came equipped with two cameras, extra batteries, a 2 GB memory card, and my exuberant cousin, N.
I had scouted out this sweet location just alongside the mat so I could take clear videos and pictures. Unfortunately, the area also doubled as a walkway so I had my back pressed to the wall.
So Mike was finally up. I took out the camera, revved it up, and started shooting. People walking by would actually duck under the camera or wait until I finished shooting before passing by. I just couldn't believe it! In no country and in no situation have I ever been where people have been so courteous to photographers with such consistency!
That was the first thing that made me happy.
The second was after a small kid stamped on my foot as he passed me.
I held my lower lip with my teeth to prevent a squeal. I was silent, but the boy looked back over his shoulder. He walked back and said he was very sorry.
This same boy crossed my path again. This time he was carrying a heavy gym bag, quite possibly one he could even fit in! He tip-toed around my feet and continued on. After he was about three feet pass me, I said under my breath, "wow, you're so strong..."
Between the cheering crowds, the Japanese-language barking referees and the sweaty huffy grunts of the participants, the little boy heard what I said. He turned his head around and gave me this smile so wide ...I wouldn't have been able to measure it with a yardstick.
This has all drawn me to believe that martial arts and other sports not only has a role in building confidence and self-esteem, but it instills discipline and courtesy as well.
That thought really made my day, too!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)