As I look around at my fellow martial artists and martial arts professionals, I can’t help but to be sometimes disappointed, even frustrated.
Why?
Well a lot of reasons, but mostly because of our overall fitness levels. Look around you and tell me how many martial artists are ready to rock for 5, even 3 rounds. Not many. Most are somewhat overweight or at least not very strong or conditioned.
Have we forgotten what the martial arts are all about? Now I’m all for the mental and emotional benefits as much as the next guy, but we talk about the physical benefits and yet we are out of shape. Obviously there are martial artists who are in great shape, but that’s not the majority.
I think we focus too much on technique and theory, and nut enough on execution. If we get winded after ten seconds, how are we ever going to survive a confrontation, or even a sparring match? That’s an enormous amount of stress on the body, and most are just not equipped to deal with that.
We, as martial artists, and especially us as instructors, need to take a good look in the mirror and ask if we are really setting the example we should be. Remember, we should be a “walking, talking correction.” That is, we should practice what we preach.
So get off your duff, stop making excuses, and live up to your potential so you can help others live up to theirs.
Train hard. Train smart.
-Chris
Look at the training the hopefuls on the Ultimate Fighter are putting themselves through. True, most of us don’t have that much time to devote to training, but it sure is funny how we always find time for tv, internet, movies, video games,etc….
There is no way that the best of the best got that way sitting on the couch with a beer and the remote
Thanks for the attitude check
Comment by DR — May 22, 2008 @ 7:28 pm