Friendly Competition

I hate competition. It always seems to bring out emotions, which leads to offense perceived and offense given (either intentional or unintentional). There are gloating winners and sore losers. There is jealousy and hurt feelings. There is a loss of confidence and an over-boost of confidence. It always seems to end in unfriendliness. I don’t like to be rated, especially against my peers and friends. I don’t like to be judged. I don’t like seeing tears and sad faces. I don’t like seeing “in-your-face” winners.
However, I LOVE competition at Silent River Kung Fu. Everyone is praised for their effort, whether they placed first or last. High placed competitors offer praise to lower placed competitors, and vice versa. People who placed last don’t even seem to realize, they just enjoyed the experience. People who placed first are happy, but care more about the experience than the medal. Everyone is smiling. Everyone is pumped. Everyone cheers for everyone else. We all come together as friends, not competition. Everyone feels welcome. Confident competitors are congratulated. Nervous competitors are encouraged, as well as given appreciation for their effort. Competitions at Silent River are always so much fun and such a happy time. I just wish ALL competition was like this outside of Silent River. I hope that Silent River’s example can spread our idea of competition, the way competition should be.