Yes i've noticed and experienced this, inside MA and out. Experienced shaped a different view in my eyes. As an example, my first few years Weight training. I heard plenty of "there's always someone stronger and better, that guy and that guy is stronger and better then you, ect". Now I could've believed that and stayed where I was. Decisions decisions.
I decided to compete against them in the Gym. Now these were some huge and strong dudes. They beat me. Again and again. They were indeed stronger. But I took advantage. I watched HOW they beat me. What they DID to become that strong. For example where they placed their feet, their hands, how they arched their backs, what routines they used, ect. Applied that knowledge. Pretty soon they were still beating me yeah, but by alot less then before. They were still bigger then me too, however also by ALOT LESS then before.
Now, were they truly better? That is a matter of perspective. Certainly bigger and stronger, but who closed the gap? Who learned and improved? Who used THEIR tricks and techniques against them to close that gap?
This can also apply to the Arts. Like competition and sparring. Really study how they're doing it. Where they place their feet. Where their legs and arms are going. What they do different. LEARN from it. Learn from THEM. Improve because of it. Still might beat ya, but you gained something out of it and thus didn't truly LOSE in the big picture.
You all have such a wonderful perspective on this problem. I agree, you should work on being the best that YOU can be, setting high goals, nay, impossible goals, so you will always be striving for more. In our lives we should never be satisfied with how good we are, even if we are "the best." Once you get into the mindset that youre so good nobody can beat you, somebody will beat you. As Morihei Ueshiba said:
