You owe it to yourself to be the very best you can be in everything you do - Why not in the martial arts as well?
These seven steps will help you along the path to mastery in your martial arts training if you apply them. I can give them to you, but if you don't take action it's just another piece of knowledge that goes to waste. So start today and apply these seven simple steps and who knows you might be our next martial arts master...
Step 1: Practice your martial arts throughout the day - Here is the truth; you don't have to train hours a day. In fact, it's better to take your training time and divide it into two or three sections. Do a little in the morning, a little in the afternoon, and a little in the evening. Three 15 minute sessions done everyday, or four times a week, can revolutionize your skill level-and it's easy. I could write a small book on this; its number one for a reason.
Step 2: Have your goal in mind and train for it - You need to train the proper way or your wasting your time. For instance, if you want to train your speed, don't waste your time on exercises that aren't helping you progress toward your goal. I see this a lot. During your workout always ask yourself, "Is what I am doing right now getting me closer to or farther from my goal. Don't underestimate this. Wasted time is lost forever, and may actually hold you back.
Step 3: Pay attention to the beginning and end of a motion, technique or exercise - You must start and end right. Most people get sloppy on the end of the movement because they think they have completed the motion and are just returning to a starting position. However, the end of a motion is just as important because it is the beginning of your next motion or next attacker. If you end wrong your next technique will start wrong...that could cost you your life.
Step 4: Let Your Body Tell You What Works For You - This takes faith in yourself and your instructor. Do not let your mind get in the way by questioning everything you do. Let it happen...it will.
Step 5: Find a Training Partner Train them and keep them. A training partner can make the difference between failure and mastery. Training with a partner also helps with motivation. You don't feel like training, but oops...your partner will be there, so you better not let them down. Just make sure your training partner is a good one. I had to go through eight before I found one that was good.
Step 6: Clear Your Mind Before and After Training- A busy mind can distract from your discipline. Sit and just focus on your breath until your thoughts slow down. Start and end your training the same way. It will turn your workout into a discipline and it does something else...
Step 7: Keep a Notebook of Your Training Write in it everyday and use it. This is so important. Ask any distance runner if they have a running log or weightlifter if they keep records of their sessions. If you train you need to keep notes. That is how you become a master. Read your journal or training log and keep track of what works. When you master the art, you will understand this point. You must keep training notes if you want to master your martial art.
I actually have tons of tips, but I picked the ones I use most. These seven are so powerful that I really could write a whole book on them. Please do not underestimate them because they seem easy and use common sense. I have taught for over 21 years and the students that follow these tips are always the best ones.
A Final Thought
In my martial arts school I teach that it's the small things that make up the big things, the whole is greater than the parts of the sum. What I mean is that, each of the little things by themselves is just that, little things, but put them together and you have a very powerful approach! These seven tips are all good by themselves but together they can really make the difference. So good luck and if there is anything myself or my staff can do to help you please give us a shout.
To Your Heath,
Robert Jones
The Academy of Kempo Martial Arts
Bellevue, WA.
1-800-508-6141
Related Articles
Is Stress Making you Fat?
By: Robert Jones | 20/10/2006 | Health
It's true, stress can make you fat. It's because of a hormone called cortisol. This hormone is always present in your body, but your body secretes it at higher levels when it's under stress.
Leading Into Emptiness: Using Tai Chi for Emotional Self-defense
By: Ken Gullette | 14/05/2008 | Self Improvement
The martial arts principles of Tai Chi are also useful against verbal, emotional, and email attacks.
Are you a Master of the Martial Arts? Why Not?
By: Robert Jones | 21/09/2006 | Sports and Fitness
Chances are, you are probably not a martial arts master, but if you think about it, there is no better time than now to start your training. I'm not going to smooth it over and say that it's an easy journey or that if you start now you can be a full-fledged master in a year or two.
Why Most Traditional Martial Arts are Outdated
By: Armando Sainz | 11/09/2007 | Fitness
Are all martial arts just kicking and punching or is there more than meets the eye? Learn about the depth of Wing Chun and how effective you can become with practice.
Iron Thread Is A Powerful System For Achieving Health And Longevity
By: Alexander Popov | 10/02/2006 | Health
Iron Thread is a complex of exercises developed by Shaolin Temple monks during centuries. Practicing Iron Thread exercises Shaolin Temple monks achieved amazing results in Kung Fu and became invincible fighters.
Anatomy of a Fist Fight
By: Armando Sainz | 12/09/2007 | Hobbies
This little article serves to give you a glimpse into a fight scenario. Some of it can only be fully understood by the most advanced Wing Chun practitioners. I hope this gives you an idea of the depth, efficiency and value of Wing Chun.
Methods Of Qigong In Kung Fu Training
By: Alexander Popov | 10/02/2006 | Sports and Fitness
Qigong is a general name for the systems of hardening and improvement of body and mind, treatment and health enhancement created in China.
Keys Of Hung Gar Kung Fu Mastering
By: Alexander Popov | 25/02/2006 | Sports and Fitness
> While polishing your technique you should never stick out your chest or stomach either when fighting or practicing. It stiffens your body and makes your movements awkward. As a result, you are losing control over your body.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Responsible Sports Journalism and MMA
By: zoneiac | 14-04-2008
So basically Michael David Smith wants every sports journalist to be a professional wrestler before covering an MMA event? Why stop there? There are many inaccuracies when covering other events as well...Isn't that taking it a little too far?
How to choose a martial arts school
By: StevensTKD | 02-04-2008
How to choose a martial arts school
How important is my son's karate?
By: joooosh | 04-03-2008
My son Josh loves karate and wants to go more than once a week. It's pretty expensive though, and I'm not sure whether we should say yes or no. What should we do?
What it krav maga?
By: ansky13 | 06-02-2008
what it krav maga?
Self Defense Or Manslaughter
By: Gena718 | 26-12-2007
Let's say (for example) A is robbing B. B pulls a knife on A. Delivering one (1) stab to A. A dies as a result of the stab. Is this punishable by law? If so, how?
Why do i go blank and how can i fix it
By: onceamarine5540 | 10-12-2007
when it comes to fighting, everytime i am in a fight in any situation i go blank dont feel anything dont remember anything, i basically go blank, i would like to know why this is happeneing to me and how i can fix it before i hurt someone or i get hurt by someone else because i am incoherent i have lost a lot of fights because of this and i am only 24. wo i know i will have more fights in my life. the thing is i know how to fight i was in the marine corps and faught a lot in my childhood but now i have lost a lot because i go blank. Does anyone know how to fix this
Q&A Powered by:
More from Robert Jones
A Little History On Kung Fu
By: Robert Jones | 25/11/2006 | Sports and Fitness
Kung Fu a generic label used to describe the martial arts that come from China. Chinese kung fu is not only about fighting but about self discipline, self respect, humbleness and patience. What makes the Chinese martial arts unique is the use of meditation as part of their art.
Children On Ritalin is That the Answer?
By: Robert Jones | 21/10/2006 | Health
Do you have a preschool-aged (or older) child who has ADHD or ADD? Many times, parents are encouraged to medicate their children to help alleviate the symptoms that can be causing them to have problems both at school and at home. If this is something you've been dealing with for a while, you may be at your wits end and willing to try just about anything to help your child handle his or her symptoms and to relieve stress from their lives.
Is Stress Making you Fat?
By: Robert Jones | 20/10/2006 | Health
It's true, stress can make you fat. It's because of a hormone called cortisol. This hormone is always present in your body, but your body secretes it at higher levels when it's under stress.
Beating Stress and Learning to Relax With Kung Fu Meditation
By: Robert Jones | 17/10/2006 | Sports and Fitness
The mind is the master of the body. If we train and discipline our minds, the body will follow. Once the body and mind become focused and in tune, you will see that your whole life will seem to flow; like you are on the right path. In other words, you will not be fighting with yourself and good things will just seem to happen for you.
Martial Arts and Weight Lifting Should you Do Both?
By: Robert Jones | 16/10/2006 | Fitness
The first determination of whether or not you should do separate weight training is how it will affect your martial arts training. If weight training will take the place of your martial arts training, then I don't recommend it (especially for beginners). Advanced martial arts students can make the determination depending on their personal goals.
Are you a Master of the Martial Arts? Why Not?
By: Robert Jones | 21/09/2006 | Sports and Fitness
Chances are, you are probably not a martial arts master, but if you think about it, there is no better time than now to start your training. I'm not going to smooth it over and say that it's an easy journey or that if you start now you can be a full-fledged master in a year or two.
Martial Arts and your Personality Type
By: Robert Jones | 19/09/2006 | Sports and Fitness
There is something that can help you balance your personality to increase your success. Martial arts can give you the skills to balance the negative sides of your personality with the positive sides. Here's how:
Health 
