November 4th, 2008
Our belief is that martial arts helps people develop better habits for life. The positive habits students develop in the dojang always has a direct influence on life outside the dojang. Today’s message focuses on five simple habits that can help any student achieve greatness in their Martial Arts training:
- Attendance/Commitment: Consistent class attendance and the commitment to practice and improve your skills and abilities. When a student gets in the habit of 2-3 classes per week plus at home practice, you’ll soon begin to see steady progress and growth in your journey to Black Belt Excellence. In life, you don’t get very far with a half hearted effort. Big goals are achieved through committed effort and persistence to achieve greatness.
- Spirit & Energy: When you develop the habit of expressing your eagerness and giving your best energy and effort, you’ll soon develop a powerful Black Belt Spirit. Soon you will learn that the more energy you give, the more energy you have to give. The non-quitting spirit you develop will carry over to all other areas of your life.
- Basics & Knowledge: Strong basics and fundamental skills are vital to developing confidence in your skills and abilities as a Black Belt Leader & Champion. No matter what style of Martial Arts I have studied and learned, it’s always about starting with a strong foundation.The habit of paying attention to detail can have a powerful impact everywhere.
- Fitness – Fitness – Fitness: Healthy and fit people have healthy and fit habits. A balanced fitness program should encompass three keys: flexibility, strength and endurance. Martial arts training is a very well rounded form of fitness and it has so many examples of living, breathing models of excellence to follow. A high level of health and fitness, gives you more energy for everything you do.
- Martial Arts Manners & Dojang Protocol: Polite greetings, positive responses and courteous behavior, are habits everyone enjoys and benefits. No matter where I go or how many people I meet, the nicest and most respectful are always martial arts trained. The world would be a much better place if everyone practiced and expressed respect for each other, the way we do in the dojang. The best way to influence is by your example. Be a model of excellence in respect and perseverance.
Habits we Train…are Habits we Gain!