Getting the Most Out of Training

Martial Arts training isn't at all like other activities. Most physical sport activities are seasonal and social in nature. Neither of these terms should be used to describe what we do in martial arts training. Martial arts training is a lifelong process where the focus is on the self. It is important to understand this to get the most out of your or your child's training.
First off let's look at the idea of seasonal training. Martial arts skill is very precise motor movement executed under stress. The consequences of not being accurate or precise are resulting injury for any person involved in the training or injury in a self protection environment. Because of the nature of the skills and the process of refining them these skills deteriorate very quickly when not in use. People who only attend seminars or attend martial arts training seasonally will have difficulty obtaining a level of mastery. In the case of children this can result in diminished self confidence and low self image.
Second is the idea that martial arts training is a social event. Most parents enroll children in martial arts to learn focus, respect and discipline. Most adults enroll for similar reasons. It's counter productive to use martial arts class as a system of punishment. For example, "if you don't clean your room you're not going to class," or, "if you don't obtain a particular grade you're not going to class." Martial arts class is what teaches people to have the discipline to clean their room or the focus to study for good grades. If the issue is time management then it's very appropriate to restrict or limit training time but should be taught as a time management lesson and not as a punishment.
Understanding both of these ideas will help adults who train, and parents of children who train, how to get the most out of class. These ideals are summed up best by an ancient Japanese proverb, "Cry in the dojo, laugh on the battlefield." The proverb is often perverted to represent only sweat or blood in training. Tears however is more accurate. Training in a well run school with proper instructors and instruction forces students to look inwards to work on perfecting themselves. This means confronting personal demons, fears, anxieties and skills to learn to become better as a person as a whole. It's not just about punching and kicking or grappling.
This is the same for those of you who are law enforcement professionals. How do you view training days? As a burden? An excuse to show up late and leave early? An excuse to get drunk during the entirety of the event? Do you think you only have to train on scheduled days or do you make opportunities to train and perfect your skills all year round?
People who view martial arts the same as other physical activities will be missing out on a great opportunity to maximize their training and personal growth. It boils down to not giving up when the going gets tough, to stick it out, to get to class when it's difficult and not viewing the dojo as a social event or a seasonal activity.

Stay safe, be well.
Sensei Tom Gillis