Monday, March 6, 2017

Small Victories


 Create small victories, they add up, no matter how small or short in time. Those are the moments that carry you through to the next big challenge. And there is always another challenge.

Taking small victories allow for more present moment focus. They lead to collectively completing the bigger goal! Focusing on the end goal may present such an overwhelming task mentally and physically one may quit – collectively small victories add up to success.


For someone who never seems to get started – start with small victories. Life’s plan rarely flows the way one plans. Taking these small victories will open doors to paths in life – many of which can lead to huge successes.

Saturday, March 4, 2017

Preparing for Instruction

Before each class, the student must be prepared both physically and mentally. For physical preparation, the student arranges has schedule to ensure that each and every scheduled appointment for class is met. Sporadic and inconsistent study is a quick trip to a dead end. Lack of progress and frustration are characteristic of this type of training (or lack of it). Only consistent and regular practice will provide the necessary framework for development.
In addition to regular attendance, the student must also arrive in a timely manner. Arriving early will provide the student with the time necessary to physically ready himself (warm-up) and to begin mental preparation (often through meditation).
The good student approaches his training (regardless of his rank or skill) as if it were his first. That is, without prejudices or pre-conceived notions. Even if the instructor is explaining a rudiment such as a block, which the student may have learned years earlier, the good student drops all mental obstacles and approaches the lesson with a "beginner's mind."

The knowledge your instructor imparts to you is likened unto a seed, which once received, must be planted in fertile soil for there to be growth. If the student has properly prepared himself physically and mentally, he now has "fertile soil"; that is, a firm foundation upon which instruction may begin.

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Learning attacks leads to understanding defenses

Be responsible for your personal education, especially in the areas you excel in.

Read and develop a deeper understanding of the material you are training in be it karate, boxing, jiu jitsu or stick fighting.

When training study to understand the attacks you’re learning to defend against. Understanding the steps of the attack leads to understanding where the vulnerabilities are in the attack – hence those are the points to attack when defending.


Coach Marty Martin