Tips For Every Martial Artist Every martial artist can benefit from a few helpful tips. Even if you have heard them before, it never hurts to be reminded. All too often, a martial artist becomes accustomed to doing things a certain way, and picks up bad habits in the process. There are a few questions you should ask yourself from time to time to make sure you are on the right track. 1. Do I practice enough? Think about how often you have been practicing lately. If you have been missing a few weeks, or even months, and your neglected arm pads have just been laying there on your couch, it's time to re-evaluate your weekly schedule. Are you no longer interested in your martial art style, or are you simply getting distracted? If you are getting distracted, go through the past week and figure things you can eliminate from your schedule so you have the time and clarity to practice. 2. Am I challenging myself? It's good to go over the same forms and moves from time to time, but if you're never trying anything new, then you will remain stuck at the same skill level. Seek out a different sparring partner, practice those moves you've been putting off, or really challenge yourself and try a completely different style! 3. Am I using the right martial arts equipment? That old chest guard and those ancient elbow pads might seem comfortable and familiar, but if they're beginning to wear at the seams, then it's time to replace them. Old gear or cheap gear puts you and the people you spar with at risk for injury and inhibits your ability to practice correctly. Being cheap is not worth a painful injury. Invest in some money in a body protector. Yep, that's it. Just three tips, but they're important ones. If you want to be a good martial artist you need to keep practicing, remember to challenge yourself, and make sure the equipment you are using is durable and in good shape. |  |
