Getting the Most Out of Your Training --- Chief Instructor's Blog January 2023

 

As we enter the new year, you might be thinking about how to get more or the most out of your training in the upcoming year.    

What’s obvious is to practice, practice and practice.

However, sometimes we feel we have limited time for practice, so in that case, how can you get the most out of your training?  Below are some things you may want to consider.

1. Be Present

While practicing, whether on your own or in class, be present.  Focus on what you are doing 100 percent of the time and do not let other things distract you while you are training.

2. Be consistent

When practicing, be consistent and precise with each technique Do not just go through the motions, but practice doing each technique consistently every time.

3. Let go of your ego

Do not compare yourself to anyone else whether a fellow student or some martial artist you watched on TV or in a video.  If you are more concerned about how you look compared to others, the less you are focused, are being consistent, and if working with a partner, the more likely you will get injured. 

4. Enjoy the journey

While it is useful to have goals, enjoy the journey.  Enjoy if you improve 1% over 6 months or even if on a plateau.  Some days you may feel like you have gone backwards, and that is okay, it is part of the journey.  Enjoy the learning and the perseverance of just continuing.  It may be that your physical techniques are not improving much but your understanding of the techniques, when to use them, or underlining principles of the art form have improved.  That is all part of improving, so enjoy it.

5. Mindset

Have a positive mindset.  Even if not doing your favorite drill or practicing your favorite hyung, tell yourself you like it.  It is amazing when thinking positively how much easier and effective your techniques are when compared to negative thoughts. 

6. Play with your techniques outside training

Find ways to practice in your everyday activities.  Whether that is practicing your even, deep breathing, using low side kicks to open doors, breaking down boxes with spear hand or knuckle punches, practicing your balance (you can easily shift to one leg while standing around talking and no one would know you are practicing balancing on one leg), practicing your positive mindset, practicing extending and holding your energy (for example, in a crowded mall to make an easy path to walk through), etc.   There are hundreds of ways to practice martial arts techniques or principles in day-to-day activities and tasks.

As we enter 2023, I encouraged each of you to use the above or come up with your own ways to get the most out of your training.

Regards,

Kelly

“The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus.” ~ Bruce Lee, (1940 –1973) American-born Chinese Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and founder of Jeet Kune Do