The following piece of advice is something I ran into while scrolling through other Martial Arts schools online. This in particular, reminds me a lot of our dojo and I felt it necessary to share this with all of you. ~Nayib ShoDan
Written by Sifu Trey Crake From Martial Arts and Self Defense |
Saturday, 20 September 2008 |
Consistent Intensity Over and over, I see students who begin their martial arts training with a great attitude and great effort. After a year or so of training they begin to develop some moderate level of skill. They become somewhat satisfied with their progress and become comfortable in their training. Herein lies one of the biggest problems in martial arts training, and the downfall of many beginner martial artists who had tremendous potential. Becoming "comfortable" in one's training CANNOT happen if a student hopes to achieve mastery in any martial arts system. Consistent Intensity should become a habit of all martial artists training for black belt and beyond. Attend your classes on a regular basis. And while you are there, TRAIN HARD! One way to have the right training attitude when you walk into class; is to tell yourself (if you are not yet a black belt), "Tonight I am training for my black belt test." If you are beyond 1st degree black belt, this is even more important because your tests are fewer and farther between. It is even easier for you to slip into a routine of "just going through the motions" without realizing it. If you are an advancing black belt, as soon as you complete a test, you must immediately resume your training with the attitude of "Tonight I am training for my "x" degree black belt test." Train as though you are, because in reality, YOU ARE! When you train with consistent intensity, your level of skill improves, your attitude stays enthusiastic, and you appreciate and look forward to your training. This is the path to mastery. Train Hard or Go Home! Sifu Crake |
Student Letters:
By: Roxy (Purple Belt)
As a busy mom trying to find more time to play with my children and get in much needed shape I began to take karate classes with them at the Five Animal Kung Fu Karate Dojo. What began as a bonding activity for me and my children has developed into an enjoyable routine. When I started participating in the physical and mental activities I was a bit apprehensive for most of the children were having loads of fun and I was focused on learning the skill, pivoting on the heel and awaiting the loud “hi-ya” from our Sensei David Walters. First step: relax , second: listen, third: have fun. This was a bit difficult for me, the adult, but I enjoyed learning with my children and they also enjoyed helping me learn punches, kicks, and the five rules of our style. After a couple of weeks the friendly faces of children, other adult students, and parents as well as Sensei David Walters and ShoDan Nayib morphed into a type of “karate” family. Learning in such a safe, secure environment has made karate even more pleasurable for my family. It has now been a little over seven months and I have undergone many changes. I have lost over thirty pounds, developed muscles in my arms and legs, learned how to do a push up or thirty, made many friends, spent quality time with my children, laughed quite a bit, and have become a pretty decent purple belt student. I don’t think I can accurately put into words all of the positive aspects that karate has had for me and my family but I could definitely say that there are many. I started this journey at 37 years of age and my youngest daughter will start at 4. I don’t think 4 years of age is too early to start martial arts nor is 37 too late. Now is the right time to make a positive adjustment in our lives.
Yours Truly, Roxy (Purple Belt)
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