Breaking boundaries staying motivated
WHY DID YOU BEGIN MARTIAL ARTS?
After years of training, sometimes we can lose our objectives. We could get bored doing basics over and over again or life’s little problems are just getting in the way. It is important to re visit the very reason you began your martial art journey. These could be anything from self-defense, losing weight, fitness, belt ranks, confidence or to getting competitive. My motto is “only when understand your why, can you start to break through the barriers”.
One of things I have always struggled with, is I hate to get comfortable when trying to learn something new. I would at times feel bored consistently having to do the basics. When all I wanted to do was get out my comfort zone by pushing myself harder and continuing to learn more and more techniques. It took awhile to realise that even though martial arts can be become very repetitive and at times it can feel as though you are not moving forward as fast as you would like. Doing basics in this way is very important for muscle memory and building up to more advanced skills in the future.
FOCUSING ON THE PROCESS (breaking boundaries staying motivated)
Whether you start martial arts, going to the gym or even starting a new job. It’s not realistic to expect that you’ll be performing at your best at all times. Martial arts teaches you that you’ll have some good days and some not so good days. On the days that your training isn’t going as well as you planned, cut yourself some slack. Learning martial arts is a process that ends with achieving your lifelong goal. If all your focus in on getting your black belt. It can be easy to become unmotivated because it takes 5 or more years to achieve that goal. By focusing on the smaller goals, it becomes easier to focus on the objective. And it will help you keep your momentum going week after week.
Martial arts takes a great deal of commitment, time, and patience to succeed and attain a high skill level. As you progress into the higher belt ranks, it can feel the progress is getting slower. This is because it becomes more about fine tuning your technique, rather then learning new skills. This can be extremely frustrating and demotivating. It is popularly accepted that we are meant to continually progress and constantly reach higher levels of skill. This is simply not true and the key to real progress is a becoming a better version of yourself then you were the day before. It does not matter how long it takes to get to your dreams. The most important things is not giving up on yourself and the process.
Setting Realistic Goals & Expectations
Defining Achievable Milestones
Setting goals is crucial in martial arts. Big dreams, like earning a black belt, can feel overwhelming. Instead, break it into smaller steps.
For example, create a training schedule that includes:
- Mastering one new technique each month
- Attending classes three times a week
- Participating in sparring sessions bi-weekly
This approach makes your goals more manageable and helps track your progress.
Avoiding Perfectionism
Progress is more important than perfection. Remember, everyone starts somewhere. As martial artist Bruce Lee once said, “Patience is not passive; on the contrary, it is concentrated strength.” Focus on gradual improvement rather than immediate success.
Celebrating Small Wins
Acknowledging your progress, no matter how minor, is essential. Celebrate achievements like perfecting a kick or increasing your endurance. These small victories build confidence and keep you motivated.
Finding Your “Why” & Maintaining Passion
Re-Connecting with Your Initial Motivation
Take time to reflect on why you began training in martial arts. Was it for fitness, self-defense, or personal discipline? Rekindling that initial spark can reignite your passion.
Discovering Intrinsic Rewards
Martial arts offer more than just physical benefits. They also teach discipline, confidence, and stress relief. Studies show that regular exercise significantly boosts mental health and emotional well-being. Remember these rewards when motivation wanes.
Setting Meaningful Goals Beyond Belts
Consider personal growth goals besides rank promotions. Skills like leadership, resilience, and self-defense can be powerful motivators. Focusing on these elements keeps training exciting and relevant to your life.
Building a Supportive Community
The Importance of Training Partners
Training is often more enjoyable with others. A supportive partner can push you to improve and keep you accountable. For instance, sharing the journey with someone can lead to significant growth and a stronger bond.
TRAINING SHOULD BE FUN
When you have been training for a long period of time and you are no longer enjoying it. There becomes a higher probability of you giving up. But when you enjoy your martial art classes, you’re much more likely to sustain it for the long-term. Realistically, not every aspect of martial arts will be enjoyable.
Sometimes it easier to do this when you are practicing solo at home. You can change up your training, listen to music and get more creative with your combos. It order to become a well rounded martial artist, you need to train in and out of the dojo.
To keep enthusiasm high, explore different martial arts styles or cross-training. Mixing things up can reinvigorate your passion and enhance your overall skills.
TALK TO YOUR SENSEI
Communicating with your instructor is vital. They can offer advice, encouragement, and guidance throughout your training. Build a relationship with them to enhance your experience.
Your sensei may even help you by changing up your classes, in order to give you more variety. They could give you ideas of how to change your mindset or ways to train at home. I found sometimes just opening up about how and why you feel that way. Clears your mind and makes you feel more at ease.
EMBRACE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM
During training it is important that your sensei wants you to increase your techniques to reach your goals. They accomplish this by using their knowledge and experience to provide feedback on how you can improve and make progress.
It is important not to take constructive criticism personally and focus on the feedback by tweaking your techniques. This the best chance to ace your next grading. Once you feel like you have stop growing, you’ll find your motivation will probably plateau as well.
REFINING YOUR SKILLS
When you begin your martial arts journey. You will learn several basic techniques, skills, and drills. As you progress through the ranks, these foundation of skills will not be less important. Instead, they become an area where you will continue to get better and refine your technique. In martial arts, sometimes it’s not about how many techniques you know. But instead, it’s about how well you have listened to feedback and made a conscious effort on improving. By continually refining what you’ve learned, you can stay motivated to continue to get better over time.
BE CONSISTENT WITH YOUR TRAINING
No matter what style of martial arts you train in, when you get consistent with your training it helps building muscle memory. Practicing karate techniques repetitively, will help you throw punches or kicks without needing to think about them consciously. This is essential for any martial artist as your skills become more natural. Essentially keeping you safe if you find yourself in a dangerous situation.
Also, it will help you develop a survival mindset. Everyone needs to develop a strong mindset in order to reach your goals. When you make continuous progress with your training, it helps build resilience and mental toughness needed to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. By training regularly, you will develop habits and discipline that help them push through challenging times and ultimately leading to success.
Training in this way will guarantee success with your training. Being consistent in martial arts requires dedication, focus, and perseverance, which can only be possible through regular classes . Without regular training, martial artists will be able to improve their speed, power, technique, and overall performance. Consistency ensures that your training will remain progressive and effective in order to keep breaking boundaries staying motivated.
Finding a Martial Arts Community Outside the Dojo
Explore forums, local events, or seminars where other martial artists congregate. Engaging in the broader community can provide fresh insights and encouragement.
Overcoming Plateaus & Challenges
Identifying and Addressing Skill Gaps
When you hit a plateau, take time to evaluate your skills. Identify specific areas needing improvement and focus training there. Targeted practice is effective for overcoming obstacles.
Embracing Challenges as Opportunities for Growth
View setbacks as learning moments. Martial arts expert Randy Couture said, “The only way to overcome obstacles is to embrace them.” Shifting your perspective can motivate you to push through tough times.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Consider working with a coach or a more experienced practitioner. They can offer tailored strategies to help you break through barriers. Professional guidance often leads to faster skill development.
Maintaining Consistency & Avoiding Burnout
Creating a Sustainable Training Schedule
Make a training routine that fits your lifestyle. Regular training is essential, but ensure it’s enjoyable. Adjust your schedule to avoid burnout, and listen to your body’s needs.
Prioritizing Rest and Recovery
Rest days are vital for recovery. Overtraining can lead to injuries and burnout. Research indicates that athletes who prioritize sleep see improved performance. Make sure to rest well.
FINAL THOUGHTS
In conclusion, martial artists must strive to maintain regular training and consistency to reach their full potential. Developing mental resilience, muscle memory, and progressing in techniques requires dedication and consistency. Identify a martial arts or program that suits your training needs, stay accountable, and set goals to continuously track your progress. Ultimately, the more you train, the more you are likely to improve – in or out of the dojo.
Staying motivated in martial arts requires setting realistic goals, reflecting on your motivation, building a solid community, and overcoming challenges. Remember, it’s about the journey, not just the destination. Stay committed, enjoy the process, and continue growing in your martial arts journey. Embrace the path ahead, and make your training count!