Elevate Your Martial Arts Performance
How to elevate your martial arts performance. Everybody goes through a stage where it’s a struggle to just get out of bed. Hard to stay focused at school, go to work, studying for that next big assignment or going to martial arts class. Discipline is vital component into your success no matter what you want to accomplish. I can honestly say that when I resumed martial arts training after years off, waiting until my kids grew older. Rediscovering the art of discipline was a struggle in the beginning, but so worth it in the end.
In order to become disciplined in martial arts, requires consistency in training, focus, setting small goals and having patience in yourself. Let’s face it this is an important skill not only as an adult but also at a young age.
WHY DOES A MARTIAL ARTIST NEED DISCIPLINE?
Discipline is defined as “The quality of being able to behave and work in a controlled way which involves obeying particular rules or standards”. Without discipline, a white belt would never achieve the mindset to become a black belt. You would not be able to show self-control when sparring, self awareness, self discipline. All essential qualities in martial arts practitioners to become the best version of themselves.
Self-discipline isn’t something that you’re born with. It’s a learned skill at a young age such as brushing your teeth, going to bed early or making sure you do your homework. What this means is that you can practice and develop it like any other skill as you go through life.
Here are three reasons why discipline is important to elevate your martial arts performance.
DISCIPLINE IS ABOUT SETTING SMALL GOALS
In martial arts, it would be impossible for a white belt to pull off advanced techniques. Instead, new students need to learn the basics, and then build up from there in a systematic approach. Let’s look at juniors, in karate they have provisional belts which is like stepping stones from rank to rank. They have a set of small goals that they need to progress by going from one goal to the next and working on mastering skills at each step. You don’t want to rush to learn every technique. In order to master each technique with precision, you must stay disciplined.
DISCIPLINE IS MINDSET
Have you ever heard that phrase “ Martial arts is a marathon, not a sprint”. It can be challenging in the beginning, especially if you’re having trouble learning a new technique. While everyone around you it just seems to click. It is important to be patient with yourself, stick with your training and it will come. By shifting your mindset. You’ll become more patient and realistic about your expectations. Rather than expecting to become a master overnight, you’ll commit to long-term goals, as well as put in the work needed to be successful.
PRACTICE SELF CONTROL
While it takes discipline to commit to and pursuing your training . Learning any style of martial arts or just achieving your dreams. Discipline and control work together. These two skills together help you to lessen any distractions that take your focus away from what you’re trying to accomplish. At the same time, you learn how to manage learning new techniques,focus, and responses.
THE 11 DISCIPLINE COMPONENTS TO ELEVATE YOUR MARTIAL ARTS PERFORMANCE
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COMMITMENT
Commitment is when we make a decision and follow through understanding the consequences. Without commitment, we cannot have discipline and without discipline we cannot have commitment.
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PUNCTUALITY
Punctuality is being on time. Whether it’s getting up for an early morning shift or teaching your kids to get themselves organise so they can get tho school on time. Disciplined people are always on time and have the ability to use time to their advantage.
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GOALS
To have a goal is to want something and be willing to work hard for it. Disciplined people are motivated by their goals. You may come across naysayers who will try to discourage you. One of my mottos is never let someone who is too afraid to chase their own dreams. Talk you out of chasing yours.
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FOCUS
Focus is when we direct all of our senses and energy to something specific. People with discipline are able to maintain their focus on what is important.
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PERSISTENCE ( ELEVATE YOUR MARTIAL ARTS PERFORMANCE)
Persistence is to continue to attempt to succeed in our goals no matter what. Disciplined people have the persistence to try again and again. However long it will take until their goal is met.
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DETERMINATION
Determination is having the belief that we will somehow accomplish what we want. Disciplined people show determination when working toward their goals.
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RESPONSIBILITY
Responsibility is to hold ourselves accountable for our actions and our results. People with discipline always take responsibility for what they do and are able to find the best way to respond to their circumstances.
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COURAGE
Courage is having the strength to face our fears. Disciplined people have the courage to face any situation and never give up.
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FITNESS
Fitness is taking care of our bodies and staying in shape. Disciplined people take care of their bodies, understanding that being fit will help in various situations.
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VISION
Having vision is having the ability to see in our minds what we are working to achieve. Disciplined people are able to focus on their vision.
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PASSION
Passion is an incredibly strong feeling about something. People with discipline have great passion for reaching their goals.
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DISCIPLINE TO ELEVATE YOUR MARTIAL ARTS PERFORMANCE
is all about showing up for each class, regardless of how you feel or weather. It’s about pushing through tiredness, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and any self doubt. By allowing yourself to constant learn new techniques and skills or while learning how to improve in and outside of the dojo. Remember martial arts is a journey, not a destination.
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RESPECT AND CONTROL
requires practitioners to learn to control their actions, emotions, and impulses. They learn to respect their sensei’s, fellow students, and the discipline itself. This respect is demonstrated in various ways, from bowing to an opponent to helping a lower rank with a new technique.
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MINDSET
is a vital aspect of martial arts. By helping practitioners to focus during training, staying present in the moment, and not allowing distractions to interfere with performance. It’s about developing a strong mindset, one that embraces challenges, perseveres in the face of adversity, and remains resilient despite setbacks.
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DEVELOPING OF CHARACTER
The discipline cultivated in martial arts contributes significantly to character development. It instills values such as integrity, humility, and responsibility. It teaches practitioners to be accountable for their actions, to honor their commitments, and to strive for excellence in all they do.
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SELF CONTROL EFFECTS YOUR DAILY LIFE
can influence various areas, from personal habits to work ethic. It can help individuals maintain a healthy lifestyle, manage their time effectively, and pursue their goals with determination and persistence.
- SELF MASTERY
It’s about gaining control over one’s body, mind, and emotions. It’s about understanding oneself, recognising one’s strengths and weaknesses, and striving to become the best version of oneself.
WHY IS IT THE MARTIAL ARTS WAY
In essence, discipline is at the heart of martial arts. It’s the foundation upon which skills are built and the driving force behind personal growth and self-mastery. So, as you embark on your martial arts journey, remember that it’s not just about the physical training. It’s about the discipline you cultivate, the character you develop, and the person you become.
No matter whether you are trying to reach your black belt, going for a promotion at work or sitting your high school exams. Being able to control your reaction and emotions is one of the most useful traits a person can have. Discipline is key to success in making your dreams become a reality.
The misconception of becoming a disciplined individual is limiting your lifestyle and focusing everything you have in achieving your goals. But this the furthest thing from the truth. You need to have balance between both worlds in order to be successful. As martial arts is not only about physically discipline but also mentally.
Having discipline or self control enables you to prioritise your training program and setting smaller goals. Until they can be accomplished. Martial arts or self defence programs are excellent ways to learn how to be self disciplined by practicing regular training sessions.
OTHER BENEFITS TO ELEVATE YOUR MARTIAL ARTS PERFORMANCE
- Self defence
- Increase physical fitness
- Higher energy levels
- New support system
- Reduces stress
Are you one of people out there who have watched a martial arts movie and wished you could pull off these incredible moves. And look just as good doing it. It’s important to understand that it’s not about dominating your opponents with excessive force. But rather it’s about controlling your opponents using your techniques, perseverance, and mindset in a controlled manner. Kind of like playing chess it is about securing the perfect position to win.
Martial arts is all about defeating your opponent using the best strategy possible. Sometimes, it might be kicking, punching or blocking a strike. Or it maybe applying a arm bar, leg lock or a choke in order to submit your opponent. By constantly analysing not only your opponent but also your surroundings in order to stay safe in a dangerous situation.
SELF DISCIPLINE IN YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIFE
Remember when you were a kid and we had the luxury of adults guiding us in all the important things we have to do such as chores, homework, self care and becoming a good person. But as we grow into adulthood we have to take on more and more responsibilities.
Depending on how we adapt to this change in the early stages of life. Can significantly affect how much success you enjoy later in life. Making the decision to become a more disciplined person is a choice you must make for yourself. Did you know that the most successful people in the world tend to be the ones who are self-motivated.
Here are some other ways having self-discipline makes life a lot easier:
- Prevents you from acting impulsively by making bad decisions
- Easier for you to keep your promises to others and yourself
- You are less likely to be procrastinate
- It gives you the strength to power through when things get hard. The never give up mindset.
- It makes it easier for you to stick with your workout and diet routine
- It want to research and expand your knowledge to succeed
- Helps you to overcome addictions
- Gives you the strength to not playing playstation and instead keep up with your homework at school
- Helps you have a strong worth ethic
- Makes it easier for you to constantly work on improving yourself
- Makes you a more dependable friend and employee
RESPECTING AND FOLLOWING RULES
A martial arts class creates a structured and safe environment for all practitioners. In order maintain this structure, you must recognize, respect, and follow the rules set forth by your instructors. Your ability to follow the rules, especially those that you may not agree with or buy into, is an essential trait of a self-disciplined student. Rather than disrespecting your instructors, fellow students, and class environment, you must control yourself and become disciplined in upholding the values inherent in martial arts. This is essential to elevate your martial arts performance.
Let’s say if the instructor is explaining how to apply a new technique and there is a group of students who are talking and not paying attention. It is feasible that the instructor gives the student a punishment e.g. 20 push ups for disrupting the class. This is teaching the student self discipline by reminding them to remain focused for the duration of the class.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Living in such a tech based world, the younger generations face a problem where instant gratification often takes precedence over long-term hard work. In order obtain success in all aspects of your life takes time and hard work. I strongly believe that strong self-discipline will enhance willpower, time management skills, higher productivity, and overall better health throughout your lifetime. And is a vital skill that can transferred both in and out of the dojo.
As I have stated in previous posts that only when you understand your why. Can you achieve success. In other words having a clear vision of where you want to be and knowing what you want to accomplish.
It is a human defense mechanism to run from the things that make us afraid. One of the most Important things I learnt on my martial arts journey is you have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Only those who can push past their boundaries succeed in achieving their dreams. For others, it can mean giving up on their dreams altogether.
By integrating discipline into your martial arts, you will gain the necessary skills to navigate life’s challenges. Unlocking your true potential. Once the secrets of self-discipline are mastered, they carry over to other areas of life like academics, careers and relationships. I hope this helps give the skills and knowledge of practicing self discipline. By discovering the lifelong benefits of self-discipline through martial arts
Remember you are stronger than you think and braver than you feel. Be your own hero.
https://kansaikarate.com.au/7-ways-how-martial-arts-develops-self-discipline