It all began on a post Diwali afternoon after watching "Karate Kid" when I took refuge in Dojo from boredom of gyms and also to solve the need to defend myself in this new land where people were loud and on the face.
The rhythmic sound of feet hitting the mat and the spirited shouts of students drew me in like a moth to a flame. As I watched a group of adults effortlessly execute kicks and threw each other, I felt an undeniable spark of excitement. Little did I know, this would be the start of a transformative journey.
From that first day, I was hooked. Martial arts training became my escape, a place where I could channel my energy and learn skills that felt almost superhuman. The thrill of mastering a new technique or earning my first belt was exhilarating!
But beyond the fun and adrenaline, I quickly realised that there was a deeper purpose behind the practice. It wasn't just about flashy moves or cool uniforms; it was about discipline, focus, and personal growth.
Every time I stepped onto the mat, I was reminded of the importance of extracting the most from each training session. Whether it was perfecting my stance, improving my flexibility, or sparring with a partner, I learned that every moment spent training was an opportunity to challenge myself and push my limits.
The laughter shared with fellow students and the camaraderie built during intense drills made the experience even more rewarding.
Martial arts is a way of life that encourages us to embrace challenges, build resilience, and cultivate a strong mind-body connection. So, as I continue to lace up my GI and step onto the mat, I do so with the intention of not just having fun, but also of maximising every ounce of potential within me.
After all, the journey is just as important as the destination, and there's no better place to explore that than in the exhilarating world of martial arts!
Here is a guide to extract the most out of Martial Arts training:
Track Progress
Helping each other move forward When I started training, Rohit and I would monitor each other's progress. On non-class days, we would practice with a checklist and be responsible for each other. That progress tracking was key to our consistent progress.
Once you discover that tracking progress is like finding a treasure map leading to hidden gems of improvement. Each week, jot down the achievements—whether it is perfecting a spinning kick or mastering a new takedown. This playful record-keeping transforms the training into an exciting game, where every small victory is celebrated like a championship win.
The training partners can hold each other accountable and cheer loudly when someone hit a milestone. With every sparring session, share feedback. Make it a thrilling adventure that turned every punch and kick into a step closer to greatness!
Break Down Your Goals
Sparring with Seth Sempai I used to see Sempai Seth Rosario in action and often I was at the receiving end in our sparring sessions. However, he always broke it down to smaller pieces. Forget fighting, can you see the punches? If you can see then can you escape? If you can escape, then can you counter and so on.
Breaking down your martial arts goals into smaller, more manageable steps is crucial for sustained progress and motivation.
Large, ambitious goals like "achieve Black Belt" or "win a competition" can feel overwhelming, leading to discouragement and potential burnout. By dividing these overarching objectives into smaller, achievable milestones, you create a clear roadmap for improvement.
Each small victory along the way provides a sense of accomplishment, reinforcing positive habits and fuelling your dedication to the larger goal. This approach not only makes the journey less daunting but also allows you to focus your training efforts more effectively, leading to more consistent and noticeable progress
Focus on Fundamentals
Sensei Subodh in Action at an Extreme 2022 Sensei Judd Reid and Sensei Subodh Dhiman both are very respected Karate masters, both over 50 and they still move and hit like a tank. Fortunate enough to practice under them, I have seen them focus on basics everyday. Thousands of repetitions, there is no other secret sauce.
In martial arts, a strong foundation built upon fundamental techniques is absolutely essential for long-term growth and mastery.
While flashy kicks and complex combinations might seem appealing, neglecting the basics will ultimately hinder your progress. Fundamentals, such as proper stance, basic punches and kicks, blocks, and footwork, are the building blocks upon which all advanced techniques are based.
Attempting to learn complex moves without a solid understanding of these core principles is like building a house on a weak foundation – it might look impressive initially, but it will eventually crumble under pressure.
By consistently practicing and refining the fundamentals, you develop muscle memory, improve your balance and coordination, and cultivate the necessary body mechanics for executing more advanced techniques with precision and power.
This focus on the foundational elements not only accelerates your learning in the long run but also significantly reduces the risk of injury
Consistency over Motivation
Black Belt Girls Running in Extreme 3.0 I used to hate running and my body would develop fever a night prior to running day. Thus, instead of motivation. I made it a part of my schedule- every Thursday morning. No negotiation with self possible. Wherever I am, I stay consistent irrespective of motivation levels. Eventually, consistency wins
While motivation can ignite the initial spark to begin martial arts training, it's consistency that fuels the long-term journey and leads to true mastery.
Motivation is fleeting, often waxing and waning depending on mood, energy levels, and external factors. Relying solely on motivation means your training will be sporadic and inconsistent, yielding minimal results.
Consistency, on the other hand, is about showing up even when you don't feel like it, establishing a regular training schedule and sticking to it regardless of how inspired you feel.
It's the consistent repetition of techniques, the unwavering commitment to training, that ultimately transforms a beginner into a skilled martial artist, far more so than bursts of intense motivation followed by periods of inactivity.
Listen to Your Body
Sensei Yashpal always says, the best stretch is the one your body is asking at the moment.
Listening to your body is paramount in martial arts training, not just for preventing injuries but also for optimising performance and longevity.
Pushing yourself too hard, especially when starting out or returning from an injury, can lead to strains, sprains, or even more serious problems that sideline you for weeks or months. Paying attention to your body's signals is crucial.
For example, if you're feeling a sharp pain in your knee while practicing a kick, it's essential to stop immediately to discuss with your Sensei and assess the issue rather than trying to push through it. Ignoring such signals can turn a minor ache into a chronic injury.
Similarly, recognising signs of fatigue, like decreased coordination or slower reaction time, and taking a break to rest and recover can actually improve your overall training effectiveness.
Overtraining can lead to burnout and hinder your progress. Listening to your body also means understanding your limits and gradually increasing the intensity and duration of your training as you get stronger and more conditioned. This mindful approach ensures that you're challenging yourself appropriately without risking injury, allowing you to train consistently and make steady progress over time.
White Belt Mentality
Sensei Denis 9th Dan (Left), Sensei Issac 9th Dan (Right) When we go to Sweden, we see many a 80 year olds listening to Soke Tamas explaining the mechanics of a straight punch. They have been doing it for more than 50 years. Still they listen to each explanation like its the first time. Same respect, same intensity.
Maintaining a "White Belt Mentality" in martial arts, even as you advance in rank, is crucial for continuous growth and improvement.
The white belt represents a beginner's mind, characterised by openness to learning, and a willingness to embrace challenges. This mindset encourages you to approach each training session with a fresh perspective, recognising that there's always more to learn, regardless of your current skill level.
For example, a seasoned black belt who maintains a white belt mentality won't be dismissive of feedback from a lower-ranked student or instructor, understanding that valuable insights can come from unexpected sources. They'll also be more receptive to trying new techniques or training methods, even if they seem unconventional, rather than relying solely on what they already know.
This constant pursuit of knowledge and refinement, coupled with a humble acknowledgment of one's limitations, prevents stagnation and fosters a lifelong learning journey. By embracing the white belt mentality, martial artists can continue to evolve, expand their skillset, and deepen their understanding of their chosen art, regardless of their rank or experience
Supplement Your Training
Coach Ankit helping Rakesh In a discussion with Sensei Aman, we were talking about how pad holding hurts the shoulders at times. He then said, he specifically does shoulder strengthening everyday to be able to hold pads everyday. That is an excellent example of supplementing training to suit our goals.
Supplementing your martial arts training with targeted exercises can significantly enhance your performance and overall well-being.
While martial arts training itself provides a good workout, focusing on specific areas like strength, mobility, and flexibility can address potential weaknesses and optimise your physical capabilities.
For example, a martial artist who primarily practices striking techniques might benefit greatly from incorporating strength training exercises like squats and deadlifts to increase power and stability in their punches and kicks.
Similarly, a grappler could improve their range of motion and reduce the risk of injury by adding mobility drills like hip openers and dynamic stretching to their routine.
Flexibility training, such as yoga or static stretching, is also crucial for increasing reach, improving technique execution, and preventing muscle imbalances.
By strategically supplementing your martial arts training with these targeted exercises, you can develop a more well-rounded skillset, improve your performance, and minimise the risk of injury, allowing you to train harder, longer, and more effectively.
Leave Ego Outside Dojo
Soke Tamas was taking a session and he shouted (shouted is a understatement) on Sensei Israel and Sensei Yashpal for being sloppy. Both are 9th Dan and 8th Dan respectively and both said "Osu Soke" and tightened up their techniques. No ego of being masters with decades of experience, just an ego free mind to learn.
Leaving your ego outside the dojo is a fundamental principle in martial arts, fostering a respectful learning environment and promoting genuine personal growth.
Ego can manifest in many ways, from arrogance and boastfulness to defensiveness and resistance to feedback. When ego is present, it hinders learning because it creates a barrier to self-reflection and prevents individuals from acknowledging their weaknesses.
A martial artist with a large ego might refuse to accept constructive criticism from their instructor, believing they already know everything or that they are being unfairly targeted. This prevents them from identifying areas for improvement and ultimately stunts their progress.
Conversely, a martial artist who checks their ego at the door approaches training with humility, openness, and a willingness to learn from everyone, regardless of rank or experience. They are more receptive to feedback, more willing to admit mistakes, and more focused on self-improvement than on proving their superiority. This humility not only accelerates their own development but also creates a more positive and supportive training environment for everyone.
Show Respect
Respect in Dojo Training in Sweden with the masters from different cultures is an experience in itself. While everyone has different perspectives on techniques and applications, one thing what is common is respect. When one teacher displays one technique the others will just admire and show respect. Even if they have a different opinion they will always accept the other perspective. That is just respect for each other and the art.
Respect is the cornerstone of martial arts, extending beyond simple etiquette to encompass a deep appreciation for the art, the instructors, the training partners, and oneself. It's not merely about bowing or using formal titles; it's about cultivating a mindset of humility and valuing the shared journey of learning and growth. Showing respect fosters a positive and productive training environment where everyone feels safe, supported, and motivated to improve.
For example, a student who consistently shows respect will not only listen attentively to their instructor's guidance but also actively support their training partners, offering encouragement and assistance rather than engaging in competitive or belittling behaviour. This mutual respect creates a sense of camaraderie and trust, allowing students to learn from each other and push their limits without fear of judgment or ridicule.
Furthermore, respecting the traditions and principles of the martial art itself demonstrates a commitment to its values and ensures the preservation of its integrity for future generations. Ultimately, respect in martial arts is not just a formality; it's a fundamental principle that underpins the entire training process and contributes to the personal development of each individual.
Have Fun
While discipline and dedication are essential in martial arts training, having fun is equally important for long-term engagement and enjoyment. Learning should be a positive and rewarding experience, and when you're genuinely enjoying the process, you're more likely to stay motivated, persevere through challenges, and reach your full potential.
Martial arts can be physically and mentally demanding, so finding ways to make training enjoyable is crucial for preventing burnout and maintaining enthusiasm. For example, a class often incorporates games, playful sparring drills, or collaborative exercises to make learning more engaging and less intimidating, especially for beginners.
Even advanced practitioners can benefit from incorporating elements of fun into their training, whether it's experimenting with new techniques, setting personal challenges, or simply enjoying the camaraderie of their training partners. When you approach martial arts with a sense of playfulness and enjoyment, you're more likely to embrace the learning process, celebrate your progress, and cultivate a lifelong passion for the art.
Embarking on the martial arts journey is a commitment to self-improvement, discipline, and personal growth. Whether your goals are self-defense, physical fitness, mental fortitude, or simply the joy of learning, remember that the path is unique to each individual. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the small victories, and never stop learning.
May your always enjoy training like I do :)
Oss
Shikher
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