Post By: Lee Phelan
It isn't always easy finding balance with life in general, but it can be particularly difficult in the martial arts. This is especially true while training for an upcoming test. Training too much can lead to burn out and a disruption of life. Not training enough can lead to the stagnation of progress. Aside from hitting your ideal amount of training, there are also things like work, school, family, friends, movies, video games, and other obligations all demanding a certain amount of attention. So how does one balance all of this?
Priorities and goals play a huge role, and are a personal choice. If your goal is to one day run your own dojo, or to become a master in the martial arts, then training moves to the forefront of your life. If your goal is to achieve a certain level of fitness, again, the priorities adjust. Other goals like achieving a specific belt rank have an end in sight, which again influences your priorities. For some people martial arts become a passion, while for others it is a hobby. Depending on your own priorities and goals, training takes on a very different level of importance. Priorities can change year to year, day to day, moment to moment. If you have a hectic work week packed full of meetings and demands, then work might end up being a priority for awhile. If a loved one is in need, then again, your priorities will change. Depending on your goal, you may adjust and fit in training somehow, or you may take a break from training until things are settled.
One simple yet eye-opening moment of enlightenment for me was when I realized my training did not have to take place at the dojo. At first training at home was weird, and slightly damaging (nunchaku and ceiling tiles don't mix). But eventually I came to enjoy being able to work on my own thing, entirely at my own pace.
We are lucky enough to live in a time and place where superb training is not necessary for survival. None of us need to know hand-to-hand combat in order to protect our loved ones or property from barbarians. However, the martial arts for many become a way of life. Consider your goals and priorities in order to get the most out of your training.
It isn't always easy finding balance with life in general, but it can be particularly difficult in the martial arts. This is especially true while training for an upcoming test. Training too much can lead to burn out and a disruption of life. Not training enough can lead to the stagnation of progress. Aside from hitting your ideal amount of training, there are also things like work, school, family, friends, movies, video games, and other obligations all demanding a certain amount of attention. So how does one balance all of this?
Priorities and goals play a huge role, and are a personal choice. If your goal is to one day run your own dojo, or to become a master in the martial arts, then training moves to the forefront of your life. If your goal is to achieve a certain level of fitness, again, the priorities adjust. Other goals like achieving a specific belt rank have an end in sight, which again influences your priorities. For some people martial arts become a passion, while for others it is a hobby. Depending on your own priorities and goals, training takes on a very different level of importance. Priorities can change year to year, day to day, moment to moment. If you have a hectic work week packed full of meetings and demands, then work might end up being a priority for awhile. If a loved one is in need, then again, your priorities will change. Depending on your goal, you may adjust and fit in training somehow, or you may take a break from training until things are settled.
One simple yet eye-opening moment of enlightenment for me was when I realized my training did not have to take place at the dojo. At first training at home was weird, and slightly damaging (nunchaku and ceiling tiles don't mix). But eventually I came to enjoy being able to work on my own thing, entirely at my own pace.
We are lucky enough to live in a time and place where superb training is not necessary for survival. None of us need to know hand-to-hand combat in order to protect our loved ones or property from barbarians. However, the martial arts for many become a way of life. Consider your goals and priorities in order to get the most out of your training.
Photo By: Deena Hucko
another well written blog post by Sensei Lee. Training at home is definitely an eye opening experience if you can adjust to it and use the different surroundings to force yourself to really focus on the technique,so you can perform that technique no matter where you are.
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