It happens to everyone. Stagnation. A rut. The doldrums. There are a thousand different words for the same concept. You’re doing all the things you used to do, but they just aren’t fun and you don’t feel any improvement. One day you just realized your kicks weren’t as snappy, you couldn’t push quite as hard, and that after class euphoria had left the building. Read on to learn more about why you’re experiencing this roadblock and how you can rejuvenate your martial arts practice.
What’s Going On?
There could be several causes, and no blog post will be able to cover them all. The important thing is, as with most martial arts philosophies, you learn to understand yourself. Use what works; don’t beat yourself up with what doesn’t.
- Complacency – Especially if you are a long-time practitioner, it can be easy to get lost in the repetitive nature of drills and forget the form and purpose of the moves. This can turn any fun into a chore.
- Stress – Leave the outside world at the door when you come to class, but everyone knows that sometimes, that’s easier said than done.
- Doubt – Life is more than valleys and peaks. There are plenty of plateaus along the way, and these can be the most frustrating sometimes. You know you’re operating at a higher level than you were, but you aren’t getting anywhere now.
These can all lead to the same symptoms. Loss of focus during class or sparring. Lack of attendance at class. In the worst cases, students walk away entirely, only to regret the decision later.
Understand that there is a reason why nagging injuries, lingering pain, or clinical depression aren’t mentioned. While any of these may result in similar symptoms, part of knowing yourself is understanding when not to “push through”. These can be legitimate medical concerns that you should see a doctor for, not a training mat.
What Can You Do?
As a martial artist, you train to be decisive, active, proactive; even so, problems that don’t seem like they can be attacked directly are particularly irksome. The trick is not to work against the feeling, but rather against its cause. One of the most useful tactics is to find ways to freshen your training regimen.
Here are a few ideas:
Find Your Passion
There is a common misconception that passion and intensity are the same. This is a mistake. Intensity is passion’s younger, weaker cousin. Those who are passionate do find it easier to train with intensity as a natural byproduct of the zest with which they attack their training.
While you emphasize the warrior spirit in Krav Maga, Tang Soo Do, and many other martial arts, training should also be approached with your mind open to possibilities and instruction. By opening yourself to new techniques or subtle nuances of old techniques, you can find the love of learning that drove you so far.
This goes beyond martial arts to life. You should try to learn new things every day for a sharp mind and a more diverse set of experiences.
Creating A Goal-Oriented Focus
Support your mindset or use goal creation independently to stay focused on your purpose for practicing martial arts. This goes beyond simply the desire to learn a new move. Find an overarching purpose to strive for. By recognizing your purpose and making sure your training reflects those goals, you stay engaged.
Become A Teacher
Teacher can mean the certified instructor—but not always. You don’t need to interrupt your instructor or sensei in the middle of class, but you can still assist those who are experiencing difficulties without teaching your own class.
Volunteer to work with the new student or work with a teacher to become their assistant. Those who are of service, in the end, also serve themselves.
Bring Your Training Into The Real World
This principle is a core part of any martial art training, but self-defense techniques especially. If possible, train in the real world. If you ever need to use your training, it will, after all, be in the real world. Uneven ground, loose gravel, park benches, and street lamp posts all add a different feel to familiar moves.
Even if physical practice is not an option, you can make it a mental exercise. What would you do if approached by an attacker on your jogging route? In the frozen foods section of the grocery store? By your doctor’s receptionist. These visualizations help your mind find the purpose for your training in creative, interesting ways.
Get Back To The Basics
Take a simple move or combination. Do it. Now do it slowly. Slower. Focus on your form while feeling the move through your body. Understand your hips pivoting, why they pivot, and how the rest of your body moves in compensation.
This exercise is half drill and half meditation. You’ll find that it clears your mind while sharpening your focus. It can help you find flaws in your form and weaknesses in your body. If done properly, you will sweat as much or more from these mind and body intensive movements than you did throwing at full speed and power. You’ll also learn about your body and its awesome capabilities.
Movie Night!
Time to get amped up! Watch something that gets the blood flowing. It can feature your discipline or an entirely different form of combat. It can be realistic (sort of) John Wick style fights or the Chinese pageantry of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. It can make for a great night off that still wows your brain with a stunning display of martial arts.
Growing Your Practice.
When you find something that helps, ask yourself why it works. Focus on activities that help fill that need. If all else fails, speak with an instructor you feel comfortable with. They may be able to help tailor some supplemental training routines that help.
Don’t Give Up.
The bottom line is, you started your training for a reason. As most martial artists will tell you, training is a journey, not a destination. There will be bumps in the road. Sometimes, you’ll get off the road entirely. With a little work, perseverance, and creativity, you’ll find your way back to the passion you’ve been missing.