I marched inside with fearless pride,
Certain I’d leave a champ in stride.
“I’ve seen the movies,” I proclaimed—
The sensei only smiled, unshamed.
We bowed with care, or so I thought,
But balance wasn’t what I’d brought.
My horse stance looked like wobbly knees,
As I begged my legs, “Just stay, please!”
I threw a kick with all my might,
Certain I’d get the movement right.
Instead I spun the other way,
And nearly kicked my pride away.
I punched the air with all my might,
Missed the target left and right.
I tried a roll across the mat,
But somehow rolled into a hat.
Then sparring came—I felt so brave,
Certain victory I would crave.
Three seconds later, there I’d stand,
An ice pack gently in my hand.
The class just smiled instead of laughed,
They’d all once followed the same path.
“Come back tomorrow,” Sensei said,
“You’ve learned much more than what’s in your head.”
Because every master, strong and wise,
First wore confusion in their eyes.
They stumbled, tumbled, missed a kick,
And learned that skill doesn’t come quick.
So if your first attempt goes wrong,
Just laugh, get up, and carry on.
Today’s the fall you’ll fondly quote—
Tomorrow, you’ll be the one they note.
