TRAINING TIPS 2

What To Expect On Your First Day Of Martial Arts

Everyone is a bit nervous on their first day of trying out martial arts, so no, you’re not alone here. Your first day of martial arts is a lot like a first date. There’s a lot of tension and you’re aware of every little move you make, but when you look back on it a year later it really isn’t that big of a deal. All you’re trying to find out is if you want to go on a second date.

The key is to remember that the class and the instructor truly do want you to succeed. But before they begin to really teach you, they need to be sure you’re a good fit for the school and the school is a good fit for you. If this balance isn’t there, then everyone is wasting their time.

Your first day of martial arts is all about getting a feel for the school, the instructor and the other students, so don’t expect to learn much. Most schools will have about a 30 minute session with a very high-level explanation of techniques and some physical fitness (pushups, sit-ups, etc.).

When I say a high-level explanation of techniques, I’m referring to basic punches and kicks. If you pick up on these quickly, there may be time for a couple of combinations as well. Don’t expect to have any physical contact with other students, in fact, you shouldn’t have any physical contact with other students. If you’re put into an uncomfortable situation on your first day, then you know the school probably isn’t a good fit for you.

There’s really no set “agenda” for a student’s first day. The instructor is using these basic techniques to evaluate incoming students to see what areas they may need help in and to find the class that will best suit them.

At the end of your first class you should have a good “gut feeling” about the school in general. If you’re petrified after one 30 minute session, you may want to try another school. But if the school makes you excited to come back again, then you can be pretty certain you’ve found a great fit.

Now that those first day jitters are out of the way, you can begin to work on getting your first belt.

Author: Javier Lozano, Jr. has been training in the martial arts for over 15 years. He is currently part owner of Experience Martial Arts and will be opening a martial arts school shortly.

7 Steps to Becoming a Master Martial Artist

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.

About Author: For more information on this article or others go to Articles on Martial Arts Robert Jones runs three successful martial arts schools located in Bellevue, Lynnwood, and Fedreal Way Washington. He has been helping families make positive changes in their lives through martial arts for over 20 years. He has also written A Guide on How to Pick a Martial Arts SchoolHe can be reached at the Academy of Kempo Martial Arts. 800-508-6141. His schools can be found on the web at Bellevue Martial Arts and Kung Fu.

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