Mental attitude and achieving your goals

This was pulled together from a variety of resources as a motivational statement to help students reach their goals at our dojo. Thanks for reading...

Mental attitude and achieving your goals

Sensei has called attention to some of the points that are explained in this article, but I urge students to attend his classes and pay as much attention to what he tells you as possible. Everyone learns differently and progresses at their own pace. He is our main resource for knowledge so make sure to ask questions. Please remember these key points are for use as guideline and are meant to help, not complicate your training.

Everyone has bad days and we can feel negative at one time or another. This fact does not give you an excuse not to be courteous to others. Karate begins and ends with courtesy. We must strive to push ourselves beyond our normal limitations to look for the positive in every aspect of our karate training and reach our goals. This article focuses primarily on positive attitude and what it can do for you. I find that keeping positive improves every aspect of your life.

A great difference between accomplished martial artists and those who do not succeed is a proper mental attitude. It is important to excel in basics, understand the applications, and practice as much as possible. The only way to excel in any endeavor is by having the proper mental attitude remain constant though the entire course of that endeavor.

Reflect upon what attitude you should have during class. Basically, you want to spend your time well, as you have so little to spare. In training, you ought to be serious, focused and hard-working. Stay calm and focused. Keep a positive mental attitude and give your best effort. Make valuable use of your time to practice before and after class. You are training hard with your short term goals in mind.

You need to pursue that short term goal with the single-mindedness of a dog chewing on a bone. Some examples of short term goals may be learning a new technique or even learning a kata. Goals are different for everyone. The realization of these goals leads you closer to your ultimate objective, (higher rank) and keeps the progress tangible, which is necessary for everyone. Do not forget that training takes devotion, patience, and continuous repetition. Everyone progresses at different levels. Some aspects of karate come easier to some more than others. Do not give up, stick with your training.

Your next step is to schedule or make the time needed to succeed. A serious karate practitioner should attend class at least 3 times per week. Make time to expand your training mentally. Take time to look at resources available to study kata and technique. Read books and study sources regarding Shotokan karate. They can be very a beneficial resource and an aid to your training. The more you educate yourself and practice outside of class, the easier it will be to understand new areas that Sensei covers in class.

If I am doing all of these things, why am I still not progressing? The main reason people do not succeed is poor attitude. Often, students let their sense of pride interfere with their martial arts training. Others get angry when they repeatedly make mistakes or are struck when sparring. They feel insulted.

The truth is, their ego got in the way of their goal which was to learn. Did they not learn by failing as it is just as important as succeeding? To excel you must train your sportiest goals, and train with the proper attitude. Stay positive, because your successes are as crucial to your education as your failures. This is called process orientated learning and it is essential to moving forward with Karate training.

One of the greatest failings a student can have is if they never realize that it's not how much one knows but how well he executes it. This comes from continual practice. Stop thinking about the next move or the next form, just relax, keep calm and above all focus. Keep a clear mind and just act. You may be surprised by the results.

At all times, maintain a selfless attitude and be courteous. Put others before yourself. Karate begins and ends with courtesy. The goal of this attitude is to improve through helping or giving to others. You will make many friends quickly and learn a great deal about yourself and become aware of your own areas that are in need of improvement. Being selfless will make you a better person. The benefits that come from knowledge and experience of other students is invaluable. If you are an upper level student working with others of lower rank, observe the beginners approach to new a technique and realize that there is always room to improve. No matter how experienced you are or how much you think you know.

Sensei would not give a black belt, (or a higher level rank) to a student who would train occasionally just for fun. You have to earn your rank it as it takes determination and hard work. Stick with it and do not give up. There are obstacles for all students to overcome. Do not ever feel overwhelmed or embarrassed. Move at your own pace. Do your best. Let go and just do it. Remember all students at FMK Karate are all here to learn. We can become the best possible people we can be by starting with a proper mental attitude.