1.  Being a Know It All

Please, please don’t walk into any martial art school thinking you already know it all.  If you’ve had other training, that is fantastic! Anyone who already has the basic concepts is well ahead of the game.  But, guess what? Every school and program is different.  What took you two months to earn a yellow belt there, might take you a year here, or vice versa.  That kick? It might have a slight variation in this school.  The way you bow, the commands, and the overall philosophy may be completely different.  No teacher wants to hear “I already know that.”  “I learned it this way.”  “My Sensei said….”

And, if you are a new martial artist, just be humble.  Just be honest.  You don’t know anything yet and you’ve got nothing to prove.

2.  Making Assumptions

You know what they say about assuming things.  Let’s just say, it’s not a good idea.

If you really want to know what a program or school offers, ask them right up front.  If it’s a black belt in two years that you want, don’t get angry while going through the program if  you are more than two years in and still have a long way to go and you never asked.

Don’t assume you are guaranteed a black belt.  Just putting in hours doesn’t cut it.  There is skill, technique, dedication and performance involved.

Don’t assume your school is the best, your style is the most comprehensive, or that other martial artists are any different from you.  Discussed in some of my other blogs, this borders on disrespect.

3.  Not Practicing

You call yourself a martial artist.  You go to class.  Do you practice?

I’ve heard excuses ranging from “there is not enough room in my house” to “I’m too tired” to “I can just practice in class.”  I understand, really I do.  I’m right there with you and agree with all of these excuses.  I still take action, though.  On any given day, I might be practicing a kata in my living room or in the driveway or before or after class or during break.  I know that I have a long way to go to be where I want to be in my art.

Not practicing is going to set you behind.  You will come to class still struggling with the skills that have already been taught.  Your proficiency level will lag.  If you don’t get to test when you want, this might be the reason why.  I can tell if you practice when you come to class.  No practice, no improvement.

4.  Hitting Full Force in Practice

Some styles wear a lot of fighting protection and go full force.  In my program we use head-gear and punches and maybe foot gear and while contact can be made it must be controlled.  That is why we wait until green belt level.  It gives students the opportunity to learn the control and precision they need to spar in this manner.

For me, “practice” is about honing those strong sparring skills by repetition and you can only gain repetition by having opportunities to spar and practice all your skills.  Hitting full force in practice is not allowed and if done, the student is pulled.  We are not a competition school so we focus on the skills to fight and point sparring.

I understand that each school has a different philosophy.  When I see our seasoned students fighting in class, I know that they have what they need to defend or fight back and that is what is important to me.  Other styles have other methods and they are all acceptable, if monitored and coached well.

5.  Not drinking enough water

Taking a strenuous martial art class without drinking enough water is a no-no.  You are probably going to sweat, work your muscles, stretch and strengthen, use different body parts, and exert energy.  Drink water to nourish what you lose in the work-out.  Even a few sips of water on a break can make a huge difference in how you feel during your training.  If you are in a high aerobic type martial art training, you must drink water to stay focused and strong.

Feeling sluggish?  This may be why.

6.  Working with the same partner all the time

We do a lot of partner drills.  Students want to partner with the same people over and over.  It becomes comfortable for them.  They know what to expect with this partner.  This partner is the same size, has the same skill set, has been training just as long.

This is a martial art mistake because life is not comfortable.  If someone attacks you or gets in your face, chances are he is not going to be the same size or have anything in common with you.  Working with people who are more or less trained than you, bigger or smaller, or the opposite sex will not only push you to train harder because these new partners are going to test you as they learn themselves.

In some cases, that common partner is a great idea, but not every time.  See what the unexpected feels like.

7.  Not stretching or warming up

I start each class with a warm up and a stretch.  After stretching we do some  sit ups or push ups, then general skills drills.  All this warming up gets the body ready for the more demanding technique work.

Whatever martial art you practice or teach, a stretch or warm up gets the juices flowing.  It is the transition between just walking in the door of the school a little tired to giving 100%.  It brings you from stillness to activity in a matter of minutes and gives your muscles a chance to prepare.  Hopefully, it will eliminate potential injuries, too.

8.  Not getting enough sleep

Try, try, try to get enough sleep.  Learning a martial art can zap your energy at times.  Struggling with fatigue is a sure way to forget what you’ve learned, have difficulty paying attention in class, and diminish the power you need for your skills.  Not just for your martial art, but for your everyday activities and commitments, try to get the amount of sleep that is right for you.

9.  Trying to learn advanced before

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I just perused Jamie Clubb’s book, “Mordred’s Victory & Other Martial Mutterings.”

If you want to read a book that causes you to ponder, question, and investigate the broad variables of martial arts, then Jamie Clubb’s book fits the bill. Don’t expect to agree with everything Jamie says. He is going to shake up some of your core martial art beliefs.

Jamie begins his book with a reference to the epic medieval poem, Le Morte d’Arthurv, where King Arthur battles his treacherous son, Mordred, who has tried to usurp his throne; a tale he uses as a comparison to the two types of fighters in our modern world today.

In my opinion, however, the more relevant tale is that of the very studious and curious martial arts enthusiast, Jamie Clubb.

Jamie began his life in a traveling circus and grew up in a business that trained and supplied animals to the media industry. Later, in his exploration of his martial art interest, he created the UK’s first extreme professional wrestling production using martial arts as its theme.

Jamie’s circus life, along with his lifelong robust martial arts study and practice, give him an unwavering voice. For instance, he started to recognize self-protection ideas as a specialized approach to martial arts, as he transitioned from circus life into martial artist and writer. His thoughts on training children, though criticized by martial arts communities, were approved by anti-bullying experts.

His opinions are steadfast and worthy of consideration.

The book is separated into four sections that explore Jamie’s belief system: martial mutterings; self-protection; reality training for children; and training: fit for a purpose. Each section explores Jamie’s fascination with martial arts history, culture, and diversity, and reveals his opinions on such topics as combat sports, competition, street-fighting techniques, handling opponents, and using voice as a weapon. He integrates many lessons from his experiences with the animal kingdom such as the defensive warning sounds, like a kiai, and taking cover as a natural response, which is a perspective not readily seen elsewhere.

Jamie’s reflections on grappling and MMA are a bit contentious in today’s world and anything contentious usually draws the reader to contemplate his own values and opinions. I’d say Jamie Clubb provides you with that opportunity, and more.

To pull his final thoughts together, Jamie explores the core martial arts beliefs and values of respect, awareness, courage, discipline, and open-mindedness. His biggest strength is the blend of his life experiences with his martial art training, and that is how he defines his beliefs and theories.

I want to thank Jamie for allowing me the opportunity to reflect on some of his musings. Digging deep into his life-long lessons and sharing a strong, opinionated basis for martial arts conjecture, is Jamie’s excellent purpose. I assure you, you will have a lot to think about when you are done reading “Mordred’s Victory & Other Martial Mutterings.”

Andrea

Jamie’s links:

http://ex-l-ence.com/Mordreds-Victory.php 

http://www.clubbchimera.com

Andrea’s links:

www.themartialartswoman.com

https://www.facebook.com/themartialartswoman

http://www.themartialartswoman.com/personalized-life-coaching/ read more

I was going to start by writing how martial arts are not for everyone, but that would be sarcasm. I think there are enough different martial art styles in the world for everyone to find something that is meaningful and purposeful. I know all the standard reasons why most choose to not practice. Time, responsibilities, commitments, fear, worry, and lack of self-confidence come to mind.

I understand it all. I battle the same on a daily basis. Can I fit practice in today? What else do I have to finish? Can I really do this? These are all the questions that capture the thoughts of the martial art non-believer.

My sarcasm can easily roll into a jaunt about how martial arts are only for those who wish to pursue personal excellence, inner peace, confidence, potential, defense, and fitness. Sarcasm aside,  I’m not sure anyone can deny the practical and creative benefits mentioned in this list. So, I say to the person who is interested in learning a martial art, but allows excuses to diminish his desire, stop waiting. If you are a believer in the benefits, it’s time to hop on board.

From a woman’s perspective, there can be fear based on lack of awareness or understanding. Martial arts sound like something difficult, unattainable, and perhaps even manly. What woman, unless some kind of professional fighter, wants to be seen as aggressive, physical, or potentially violent in a defensive situation? What woman wants to compromise femininity for the sake of a fighting art? What woman wants to bellow loud noises, crack a board, or stand up against an aggressor? I have a simple answer. Martial arts are for every woman. None of what is mentioned here captures what martial arts really offer.

Large, small, outgoing, shy, young, old, or anywhere in between, martial arts offers every woman opportunities, survival skills, betterment, and most importantly, a new vision of herself. Everyone starts at the beginning and builds upon the basics. Martial arts and self-defense both offer women something they never had before, the tools to defend. Defense, in real life, may not be pretty, but without the tools to defend, her chance of escape, or even survival, are minimized. That sounds like a good reason to learn to me. She may outwardly seem like a non-believer, when in reality, all she needs is a little coaxing to get her over the hump and into class.

What about guys? What do they gain from martial arts? They are already strong, burly, or masculine. Martial arts will help them discover who they really are inside, and allow them to  push themselves, Yes, they will learn how to fight better, and become internally abundant and prosperous. Martial arts are physical, but they teach the best lesson that calms the male ego, learning to fight so you don’t have to fight.

This means that guys will learn how to fight and how to defend, but more importantly, how to avoid the attack or remove himself from it, as the first course of action. They teach humility and decision making that relies not on emotion, but on deflecting an impending crisis.

Years ago, a male friend of mine asked our instructor a question. He asked what he should do if he was in his car, and someone pulled a gun on him through an open window. He was expecting some great defense, maybe something that involved taking the gun from the assailant and then punching him through the window, or something a television drama would show. The instructor just looked at him and said, “Don’t ever put yourself in that situation.”  Sometimes, the male ego and imagination are more powerful than they need to be. Martial arts help control where, and when, a martial art should ever be used.

Kids are the best believers of all! They are open-minded, and believe  unless they are told not to, or until they prove it wrong. One story in my upcoming book, The Martial Arts Woman, mentions how young girls are able to do knuckle push ups as a warm up to a martial art class, because they were never told they couldn’t do them. In later years, if they never did a knuckle push up before, they physically have a difficult time doing one because they never trained their mind, or body, to realize that it was possible.  The younger set of girls, who naturally believed, just followed along in class and did them without any trepidation.

Kids who practice in my pre-skills classes, ages 4 to 6, perform their version of martial arts, and believe me, I’m always excited and amazed when they pay attention and execute a command with a smile. The key to these young believers is making it fun through learning. They are accepting and believing. They see Ninja Turtles and other symbols of youthful, playful martial artists, and want to be the same.

Then there are the rest of us, aren’t there? We are the true believers, and those who have put in a few years. We practice diligently, both physically or mentally, and have joined the unspoken, unwritten, lifelong martial art club, no holds barred. We continually try to find ways to kick it up a notch. We  teach, train, write, compete, or a combination thereof. There is, in fact, no other comparable activity we would rather do.

That is not to say we are believers all of the time. Sometimes, we must face the fact that our martial art situation needs adjusting, or we need to be flexible in our approach, but we always strive to find a way to continue. That’s the believer in us.

The martial art non-believer has a lot to learn. What martial arts teaches is not so much about technique and skill, although those are necessary and important. Rather, martial arts provide a plan on how to live. They teach perseverance, and how to apply patience and humility to our lives. They remind us that we are powerful and have unlimited and untapped potential. They help us focus and funnel energy.

The most important, highly sought after reason why martial arts are so important, though  (drum roll please!), is that they help you believe in a much more important topic than fighting, defense, skills, or any other martial art technique. They help you believe…in you.

xoxo

Andrea

Catch me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and here on my website.

My book, The Martial Arts Woman, will be launched soon! .

Life coaching based on black belt concepts and martial art principles, is available.  read more

There are many different styles and many different reasons why people practice martial arts. If we were all the same, it would be boring and monotonous. Having the opportunity to meet others who engage in different styles, and participate in seminars or workshops that use different skill sets, is an exciting way to learn more about the immense world of martial arts. What you know can help me in my practice, and vice versa.

Let’s explore these truths a little further.

1. There Are Many Reasons for Practicing

There is no set reason why you should practice a martial art. Many learn to curb weight issues, get into better shape, and to keep active and fit. Some learn because they want a better chance to escape or defend if attacked. Still, others are motivated by the popular influence of Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Cynthia Rothrock, Don Wilson, and the other amazing action actors they see in movies and on television.

Recently I received a message from a woman who described herself to me as “fat.” She wondered if she could learn a martial art. Unless you are a celebrity, it is unlikely that you have a perfect body. The truth is, martial arts don’t care how you look.

Every reason is worthwhile. Martial arts promote self-discovery, no matter the exact reasons for learning. In the end, everyone comes to a similar conclusion. Martial arts improve focus and strength, and empower the mind, body & spirit.

2. Traditional v. Modern Concepts

I practice traditional Korean martial arts. They are not, however, the only martial arts out there. We cannot act as if there is only one martial art in the world, or that certain ones are better than others. The truth is, other styles exist, whether we like it or not.

What is the real purpose of martial arts in today’s world? Are they a defense system, a fighting art, or an art form?

It all depends on the application, your perspective, and what you hope to learn.  MMA, BJJ, and other grappling styles are more contemporary than Karate or TaeKwon-Do.  In my classes we do some of the ground attacks and defenses because they are good to know. I can still be a traditional martial artist and explore different ideas in more modern styles.

The biggest truth here is that we can all learn from each other. That does not mean that we have to become proficient in every style, or understand every concept, but it does mean that learning concepts in other styles with which you are not familiar can help to improve your overall knowledge and experience in martial arts.

3. Men and Women

This topic is one of controversy and drama, at times. Is one gender better than the other? Each gender is different, but not necessarily better or worse. I think women are still trying to pave the way for their martial art practices, while men have been aligned in their systems for a while. Some women still struggle with being treated equally, whether that means sexism or lack of opportunities. Women are still fairly new to martial arts based on the history of martial arts over the course of time.

Skill-wise, I have seen women and men of incredible athleticism. I’ve seen both defend, fight, and perform. I do not think I ever use gender as the deciding factor on who is better or worse. Based on skill sets, you will find that both genders have areas of strengths and weaknesses.

The truth about this is that we have a passion and interest in something that we can all share together, and from which we can all build better life-long habits. We are all students in the arts, men or women, and nothing can ever diminish or change that. There is no men v. women, only men and women.

What are your truths about martial arts? I suppose you have a laundry list full. Do they make you feel happier? Do you feel more fit? More able to defend yourself? Do you enjoy the competition, the camaraderie,  and the instruction? Do you like the continual self-improvement, the opportunities to advance in rank, or the ability to slow life down and decrease stress through your practice? These are your truths.

Why you practice is totally up to you. What style you like, and for how long you train, are also up to you.  Respecting other martial artists and other styles, again, are up to you. Martial arts are whatever you choose to allow them to be in your life. They have many different applications, and that is okay, because we can all learn from each other. There is one truth that we all know for certain. It is awesome to be a martial artist!

xoxo

Andrea

My new book, The Martial Arts Woman, is now available. Purchase through my e-commerce store: http://themartialartswoman.storenvy.com.

The Martial Arts Woman book shares the stories and insights of more than twenty-five women in the martial arts, and how they apply martial arts to their lives.

Unlike most other martial art books, the reader will catch a glimpse into the brave and empowered woman who dares to be all that she can be. Many of these women had to overcome great societal or personal challenges to break into the men’s world of martial arts. This book will motivate and inspire you to go after your goals in life and to fight through every challenge and defeat every obstacle. The Martial Arts Woman will open your eyes to the power of the human spirit and the martial art mindset that dwells in each of us!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea F. Harkins is a writer, motivator, life coach, martial artist, and public speaker. Her book, The Martial Arts Woman, is now available atthemartialartswoman.storenvy.com. read more

1.    Last resort sport

I hate the fact that a martial art is often thought of as a “last resort sport” for kids.  Parents walk into a martial art school for the first time and state, “Well, he didn’t excel in team sports very well, so I figured I would let him try a martial art or karate.”

What?  Really?  Martial arts is your last resort before you give up on your kid’s athleticism?

I understand.  Parents like to have their children participate in sports where they can sit in the stands and cheer and yell. “That’s my Johnny!” they exclaim, screaming at the top of their lungs the first time Johnny hits a home run, scores a goal or a touchdown, or makes a three-point shot.

Martial arts have no grandstands, no burgers grilled on the corner of the field, and no cheerleaders. There is no homecoming where star athletes are highlighted, and no real recognition for being an athlete at all, for that matter.

I wish I could dispel the myth that a martial art is not a team sport or is not for real athletes or that it should only be considered when all else fails. Every time one of my younger students enters into our class he is immediately a part of a team environment.  He is in a place where he is respected by his peers and where he can practice new techniques in a well-defined group. They high-five each other and welcome new kids to class with a quick hello before they jump in for more learning.

As one of the instructors, I am a trained, experienced, caring coach who teaches, encourages, and shares in a way that is fun and enjoyable, yet strict and disciplined.  That is rare to find in youth sports.  We earn a small amount of money from the program, which in fact makes us, “professionals.”

I’m not going to bash other sports.  My sons were basketball and football players. I love these sports because they love them.  But, I should mention that my oldest tore his ACL twice and broke his arm once playing these sports. And along with worries about concussions and strains and sprains, football is really less than ideal for staying healthy.  In every day martial art class, I simply don’t see these kinds of injuries taking place.  Maybe they happen, but not consistently.

Finally, martial arts are sport-like and require skill and endurance along with discipline, confidence, strength.  But above and beyond all that, they are a journey that lasts a life time.  They can be practiced through all of your years, young through old.  No other sport seems to offer that outstanding benefit.  Start young and grow old with a martial art.  When you live to an old age you will thank me for that advice.

Last resort?  I think not.

2.  It’s not utilized enough by other athletes

Thinking about the athletic aspects of martial arts, I hate the fact that martial arts are not used as a form of training more often for athletes who  participate in other sports. Having taught my sons some skills, I can see how it has benefited them in other sports.  All sports  require a commitment and dedication in order to become proficient. The basic stances and use of the body, the push and pull and momentum of movements learned in martial arts, help other athletes excel in whatever sport they are playing.

In basketball, with the ball in your hands and elbows edged out to the side, you must pivot to turn.  With a good low center of gravity, you can move around your opponent without him grabbing the ball.  In football, the low stances the linemen have to take can all be strengthened through the martial art stances used in forms.  The focus and determination of punching a target or kicking an X on the bag helps the mind learn patience and timing, all of which is incredibly important in all sports.

The stretching and calisthenic exercises in a martial art warm up are sometimes the exact same as what I see on the football field during practice, but just are called something different.  The bowing out of class is like a huddle that brings the team together and solidifies a winning mindset.

I have heard of some professional athletes learning some martial arts or yoga and how it has helped them.  If you’re looking for a way for a child to excel in all sports, I’m claiming right now that martial arts can help.

3.  Not enough women try it

I hate that not more women get involved in the martial arts.  I’m okay with it being a male dominated activity, but it would be awesome to see some more women give it a go.  I know all the fears.  I’ve discussed them all before in blogs and podcasts before.  All I know is if a woman can go to an aerobics class, take a golf lesson, or try yoga without a prior experience, she can certainly try this, too.

I hate that there are just a few of us ladies who have to carry the weight of promoting the benefits of martial arts to other women.  You know my motto, “If I can do it, anyone can do it.”  It’s not about performing unbelievable stunts.  I could never do that!  I’m like many other women, a mom, a wife, an aunt, and a daughter. I bet you know others who fit into those categories, and yes, they can learn a martial art.

I’ve been asked a few times what I think about women in the UFC.  I admire any woman who is willing to use her competitive edge and endurance, but realistically, we are not all willing to do THAT! Some good, basic martial arts training, however, should do the trick to  keep you in shape, give you confidence, up your endurance, give you purpose, help you defend, and make you, well….pretty darn cool.

4. When people quit

Darn it, I just hate when people quit anything, especially a martial art!  I know there comes a time for kids when they choose between martial arts and another sport, (see #1 above) and they decide to quit the martial art. I know often adults reach mid-level belt ranks, and they are not interested in pushing through the stuff that warrants practice of more difficult skills. Come on!  You’ve made it this far and you are going to quit?

Martial arts taught me that quitters learn nothing, win nothing, and lose everything.  If I quit every time I had to face an obstacle, I’m not sure where I’d be today. Divorced? Broke? Unemployed? Starving? I wouldn’t be writing.  I wouldn’t be teaching.  I wouldn’t have a black belt.

Some people just give up.  They give up on their health, they give up on their dreams, and they give up on bettering themselves.  This is how you get nowhere in life.  This is how you face depression or anxiety or unrest in your life.  When you quit once, it snowballs.  You quit over and over and end up nowhere near where you thought you’d find yourself.  I hear it all the time. This isn’t what I expected in retirement.  This isn’t how I thought my life would turn out.  This isn’t where I expected to be.  I have one question to ask.   Did you stay steadfast in your journey? Did you face your obstacles and overcome?  Or, did you quit?

Please don’t disappointment me by giving up or quitting anything because it is too difficult or too much trouble; especially if quitting means you are limiting yourself to less than who you should be.

5. Fakes, Frauds, and McDojo’s

I find it hard to believe that there are actually people out there who pose as Masters in the martial arts.  I suppose in every profession you can encounter some wacko who takes a good thing and brings it to some unintended extreme.  I hate to even give them the courtesy of being addressed in my blog, but I feel it is important that others know that like anything, you should check out your instructors, get references, and if you ever feel uncomfortable, or that something is not quite right, move along.  There are plenty of good ones out there.

McDojo’s, if you don’t know, are martial arts schools are concerned primarily with making money, rather than putting their students’ learning first. This infuriates martial arts instructors because it gives martial arts a bad name.  A good instructor can make money teaching, in my book, as long as the students come first.  If you see students being awarded black belts in the speed of light, something is not right.  And for the rest of the instructors who award them after a suitable amount of training, it almost makes us look bad for making our students wait to earn every single inch of the thick black cloth that gets wrapped around their waist.

Fake, fraud, or McDojo, check it out before you get started.  If you get promised a black belt, test frequently, pay large amounts of money to test, or sign up for some crazy contract to learn, beware.  If your instructor seems strange in any way whatsoever, then go no further.

No Hate Here

Look, I don’t hate the martial arts at all.  I hate that they are labeled a “last resort sport” by parents. I hate that athletes fail to use martial arts as a great basis for training and physical improvement in their sport of choice.  I hate that there are not more women of all ages practicing. I hate that when students get to a certain level they would rather give up then finish their dream.  Finally, I hate that there are actually frauds out there, and people who use the martial arts in an evil and conniving way.

Martial arts are awesome on many levels, and I hate that they are still not fully recognized for all the benefits that they offer on so many levels, including mind, body, and spirit.

xoxo

Andrea

My new book, Martial Art Inspirations for Everyone: https://goo.gl/Yco5GF (Amazon Link)

Martial Art Inspirations for Everyone contains martial art reflections, anecdotes, and inspirations that relate to everyday life. It covers topics such as effort, focus, purpose, positivity, betterment, ambition, and more. You can overcome, persevere, and find success in your own life. Read Martial Art Inspirations for Everyone, and be encouraged.

My book, The Martial Arts Woman: https://goo.gl/rTSaJA (Amazon Link)

The Martial Arts Woman shares the stories and insights of more than twenty-five women in the martial arts, and how they apply martial arts to their lives. Unlike most other martial art books, the reader will catch a glimpse into the brave and empowered woman who dares to be all that she can be. Many of these women had to overcome great societal or personal challenges to break into the men’s world of martial arts. This book will motivate and inspire you to go after your goals in life and to fight through every challenge and defeat every obstacle. The Martial Arts Woman will open your eyes to the power of the human spirit and the martial art mindset that dwells in each of us!

ABOUT

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