Planning Your Martial Arts Training

Those new to the martial arts often focus on school, style, and discipline as the deciding factor, in asking the question- which martial art is the best? Which martial art is the strongest. Certainly one wants to match the correct martial art to the outcome the student is looking for, as not all martial arts are equal.

“Martial arts” being a catch all for numerous styles, schools, and traditions. Some will focus on competition, others self-defense, other still focusing on preserving a cultural heritage and tradition. Yet, after one has found the correct martial arts for what they are looking for, that is only half the equation for success- the other half is developing a training action plan to leverage enthusiasm, skill, and ability to make the best progress possible in the martial arts.

A way to develop skill and perception in the arts as quickly as possible.

Let’s explore this other side of the martial arts…

The first and most important is consistent training in a dojo, club, group, or class setting. The martial arts are physical arts, arts involving the physical body, and while there are spiritual and philosophical components, even they are conveyed and experienced through the physical. One has to get to class as much as possible each week. Naturally some times will be harder vs. others due to family, work, and school obligations, but developing a schedule and routine to get you in class is KEY.

Second is a commitment to dedicated improvement- working on the lessons and movements on your own, outside of class. Training and practicing the physical movements every day. Consistent self practice. This will not only improve your skill in the arts, but it will also position yourself for class. In this way when you are training in class you will be positioned to learn new lessons as they are presented, as new material from your teacher or coach is presented.

Third is mental discipline, exploring mindfulness, meditation, and the ability to maintain focus and discipline when exploring a task. However, this is complimentary to the physical training and not in place of it.

Finally, physical conditioning. Exploring and assessing ones currently capacity in terms of physical ability. Paying attention to diet, water intake, and sleep. Paying attention to stretching and flexibility. Paying attention to developing the best physical body one can in the martial arts.