| You owe it to yourself to be the very best you can | | | | them. A training partner can make the difference |
| be in everything you do - Why not in the martial arts | | | | between failure and mastery. Training with a partner |
| as well? | | | | also helps with motivation. You don't feel like training, |
| These seven steps will help you along the path to | | | | but oops...your partner will be there, so you better |
| mastery in your martial arts training if you apply | | | | not let them down. Just make sure your training |
| them. I can give them to you, but if you don't take | | | | partner is a good one. I had to go through eight |
| action it's just another piece of knowledge that goes | | | | before I found one that was good. |
| to waste. So start today and apply these seven | | | | Step 6: Clear Your Mind Before and After Training- A |
| simple steps and who knows you might be our next | | | | busy mind can distract from your discipline. Sit and |
| martial arts master... | | | | just focus on your breath until your thoughts slow |
| Step 1: Practice your martial arts throughout the day | | | | down. Start and end your training the same way. It |
| - Here is the truth; you don't have to train hours a | | | | will turn your workout into a discipline and it does |
| day. In fact, it's better to take your training time and | | | | something else... |
| divide it into two or three sections. Do a little in the | | | | Step 7: Keep a Notebook of Your Training Write in it |
| morning, a little in the afternoon, and a little in the | | | | everyday and use it. This is so important. Ask any |
| evening. Three 15 minute sessions done everyday, or | | | | distance runner if they have a running log or |
| four times a week, can revolutionize your skill | | | | weightlifter if they keep records of their sessions. If |
| level-and it's easy. I could write a small book on this; | | | | you train you need to keep notes. That is how you |
| its number one for a reason. | | | | become a master. Read your journal or training log |
| Step 2: Have your goal in mind and train for it - You | | | | and keep track of what works. When you master |
| need to train the proper way or your wasting your | | | | the art, you will understand this point. You must keep |
| time. For instance, if you want to train your speed, | | | | training notes if you want to master your martial art. |
| don't waste your time on exercises that aren't | | | | I actually have tons of tips, but I picked the ones I |
| helping you progress toward your goal. I see this a | | | | use most. These seven are so powerful that I really |
| lot. During your workout always ask yourself, "Is | | | | could write a whole book on them. Please do not |
| what I am doing right now getting me closer to or | | | | underestimate them because they seem easy and |
| farther from my goal. Don't underestimate this. | | | | use common sense. I have taught for over 21 years |
| Wasted time is lost forever, and may actually hold | | | | and the students that follow these tips are always |
| you back. | | | | the best ones. |
| Step 3: Pay attention to the beginning and end of a | | | | A Final Thought |
| motion, technique or exercise - You must start and | | | | In my martial arts school I teach that it's the small |
| end right. Most people get sloppy on the end of the | | | | things that make up the big things, the whole is |
| movement because they think they have completed | | | | greater than the parts of the sum. What I mean is |
| the motion and are just returning to a starting | | | | that, each of the little things by themselves is just |
| position. However, the end of a motion is just as | | | | that, little things, but put them together and you |
| important because it is the beginning of your next | | | | have a very powerful approach! These seven tips |
| motion or next attacker. If you end wrong your next | | | | are all good by themselves but together they can |
| technique will start wrong...that could cost you your | | | | really make the difference. So good luck and if there |
| life. | | | | is anything myself or my staff can do to help you |
| Step 4: Let Your Body Tell You What Works For | | | | please give us a shout. |
| You - This takes faith in yourself and your instructor. | | | | To Your Heath, |
| Do not let your mind get in the way by questioning | | | | Robert Jones |
| everything you do. Let it happen...it will. | | | | The Academy of Kempo Martial Arts |
| Step 5: Find a Training Partner Train them and keep | | | | Bellevue, WA. |