- What are your needs?
- Common misconceptions of Martial Arts training?
- Why you what genuine physical and mental confidence?
- How to take full advantage of your Martial Arts experience
- Things to know when choosing a Martial Arts School
- No Risk Guarantee
What are your needs? What do you want from the Martial Arts?
Self-Defense - The ability to successfully defend oneself in a realistic situation requires the practice of competent techniques with enough repetition to facilitate reflexive movement and response under extenuating circumstances.
Physical Conditioning – By creating greater strength, speed, agility and fluidity one prepares themselves for a more enjoyable existence as well as a more energized life.
Mental Discipline – The ability to focus on an intended outcome – the ability to choose a course of action and maintain the mental state necessary to see it to fruition.
Self-Esteem - The beneficial way in which one sees oneself. Martial discipline is the ability to perform – as directed – even when greatly challenged. Eventually, the need for outside stimulus is diminished which leads to Self-Discipline. Self-Discipline leads to Self-Reliance. Self-Reliance leads to Self-Confidence. Self-Confidence leads to Self-Respect. Self-Respect leads to higher Self-Esteem.
Confidence – Through the accomplishment of increasingly difficult challenges, one develop s a greater sense of ability and surety of success. Confidence grows in layers as each new obstacle is overcome.
Co-ordination – the ability to meet the demands of physical movement. As one experiences greater diversity of movement, the body becomes more capable of adapting to varying functional demands.
Common Misconceptions regarding Martial Arts
The belt makes the person.
Because a person has a Black Belt does not mean that they are either a proficient martial artist or a good teacher. Black belts are awarded depending on the requirements of the Art, the School and the individual teacher. Often, when there is no concrete affiliation, there are few expectations put upon a candidate for Black Belt. Traditional systems have stringent requirements for the attainment of black belt. There is a widely held belief that a true Black Belt cannot be attained in less than three (3) years with most taking four (4) to (6) years and some taking as long as ten. The importance is in the capabilities of the individual. The belt does not make the person – the person makes the belt.
Martial Arts is always fun.
True Martial Arts must challenge the individual. It is only through sufficient trial that the Martial Spirit can be forged. Character is displayed through adversity. Learning to better handle difficulty is one of the most valuable traits that can be acquired through the experience of the Martial Arts. Self-Appreciation comes when an individual has done the necessary work to acquire a new skill or advance to a new rank. That is fun!
Contracts are bad.
It takes time to achieve the desired results through Martial Arts training. Training with dedicated instructors and committed fellow students is he best way to reach your goals. Although dedicated students can exist at facilities without contracts, training at a school that requires a contract insures that all students have made a commitment to their school and their training.
Cardio Kickboxing is self-defense.
Although Cardio Kickboxing can be an excellent fitness program, it lacks the instruction and combative elements necessary to develop a practical self-defense arsenal.
Why you want genuine physical and mental confidence
True confidence is required when faced with true challenge. False confidence will not prevail.
How to take full advantage of your Martial Arts experience
Treat Martial Arts as a journey instead of a destination.
It has been said, “A watched pot never boils.” This is quite true with Martial Arts training. Do your best during every session. Thinking about attaining a certain rank or ability will take up time that could be used to pursue your goal. Before class, be prepared to absorb whatever knowledge is made available. After class, reflect on what you have learned. This will make each day successful. Continued success equates to victory.
Create a personal schedule
People are creatures of habit. Creating a schedule builds the habit of attending, learning and succeeding.
Have flexibility built into your program for emergencies
In case of necessity, it is always beneficial to change your training time(s) or be able to access more times – choose a program that allows for both.
Understand D.O.M.S.
D.O.M.S. – Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. Soreness occurs when a new or more rigorous physical exercise is undertaken. D.O.M.S. is when the soreness is noticed 24-48 hours after activity. Even those who are in relatively good condition will experience some soreness.
Please note: the soreness will subside. Regular training will make your body accustomed to the activity. Do not allow this to lessen your spirit or frighten you away from training!
Know the “Beginner Mind” (Everyone is looking at me.)
It is common for people to be apprehensions or intimidated when beginning a Martial Arts program. Everyone associated with a quality Martial Arts facility knows the feeling and will be happy to help by answering any questions and explaining away any fears.
Remember: Everyone had a first day.
Teacheritis
Although not a real ailment, Teacheritis is a real phenomenon. It can be frustrating when performing for the teacher does not produce the same result as performing for yourself or a senior. All students are inclined to put forth more effort when being examined by the teacher. Sometimes this results in a confused or diminished performance. Learning to relax and concentrate are two wonderful benefits of Martial Arts training. As with all things, with practice, will come improvement.
Questions Equal Interest
We do not know what we do not know. By asking questions, we show interest in learning. There are times when too many questions can cloud our ability to absorb previously received information but a qualified instructor can easily convey this. Asking questions shows a willingness that will be welcomed by dedicated teachers.
Instructors are people too
Before they were instructors they were students. Teachers had many similar frustrations and questions. The goal of a dedicated instructor is to communicate the necessary knowledge and skills to afford the student the very best Martial arts experience. Use their experiences to circumvent mistakes.
Things to know when choosing a Martial Arts School
- No state regulations for Martial Arts schools
Be careful to inquire about instructors and their background. Since there is no state certification necessary, charlatans exist. Be certain to verify background. - Legitimate instructors
It is up to the consumer to verify the legitimacy of an instructor.
Be certain that there is verifiable substance to an instructor’s claims to ranking and affiliation. - System affiliation
Verify the system affiliation by contacting the organization or checking legitimate publications. - Traceable History (Traditional Art or Generic)
Legitimate systems or styles can be traced through publication or by use of the Internet. - Flexible Schedule
Be certain that the facility provides a schedule that allows for changes in your schedule. - Individual instruction
Individual instruction provides a preferred learning environment. Learning in a group often forces learning by imitation only. Important elements of training and execution may be overlooked without individual instruction. - Specialized Protection
Specialized Protection is essential to become proficient in Self-Defense and combat. Practicing with the best possible protection provides an environment for both advanced and uninterrupted training.
100% NO RISK Guarantee
If, after training at least two days per week for 30 days, you decide that the Academy of Koei-Kan Karate-Do training is not for you – write down your reason and submit it to the company at 8803 Hall Rd. Utica, MI 48317 for a FULL REFUND of any membership dues paid.
