It’s not easy being a martial artist. Yes, I’m joking, of course! Being a martial artist is one of my favorite things. The question is, how can you roll into 2017 with a fresh perspective on your practice? How can you incorporate the excitement of a New Year into the martial artist within? I’m sure there are many answers to these questions, but if you want a little nudge in the right direction, maybe these 5 suggestions will give you the boost that you need to push your practice into the New Year with renewed energy.

Be a student – Whether you are a novice or experienced, an instructor, or anywhere in between, there is nothing like being a martial art student. Having a well-established, knowledgeable leader guide you forward in your practice is a gift that keeps on giving. I love teaching, and I have a lot of years of martial arts under my belt, but still, I truly know very little when it comes to the vastness of martial arts. To quietly melt into class seeking personal betterment is like a New Year’s resolution I give myself over and over. No matter where you are in your journey, never stop being a student.

Photograph with GM Michael Hadsall 

 

Set new martial art goals –  Write down and memorialize some of the goals that have been floating around in the back of your mind for a long time. Mine are rather simple, really. Attend class more, devote a certain bit of time each day to practice, and try to move closer to a higher rank. You can bet I will write these down. When you write your goals, they tend to stick in your mind. Subconsciously, you tick away at them.

They can be broad, like mine, or more specific. Maybe there is a certain rank you want to achieve, an event you want to attend, or a milestone you want to accomplish. Perhaps there is one kick with which you struggle that you want to define, or you want to combine more mindfulness or spirituality to your practice. Write it down! In six months, check back. I think you will be pleased with what you see.

Face intimidation – I’m not talking about taking down a bully, or lashing out at someone who criticizes you. This is about facing something that stands in your way from reaching a martial art goal, rank, or decision. Whether it is a break of some sort, a technique, a form, or any other obstacle that you have pushed aside because you didn’t want to face it, today is a good day to knock it out! If it is martial art related, ask your instructor to guide you through the difficulty.

Often, there is a small fix in technique, or a breakthrough in mindset,that will push you right over the obstacle to the other side. Try replacing negativity with positivity and turn it around. Then, you will really feel like you really made progress!

Meditate – Bingo! This is another item on my personal list, and I think it’s good for you, too. I am promising myself a 5-10 minute meditation time every day. I know it sounds silly, doesn’t it, that I struggle to find 5-10 minutes each day to close my eyes, relax comfortably, and reflect? I’d be lying if I said it was easy for me, but like anything I have to put the effort in first before I can reap the reward.

Are you a morning or night person, or are there a few minutes during lunch that you can spare? Some martial arts naturally incorporate meditation, but if you don’t attend class every day or all the time, you miss out. Some styles are naturally more meditative than others. Meditation is not just about martial arts. It’s about replenishing, refining, and nourishing your life. We all need it.

Watch a martial art movie –  I confess, I am not much of a martial art movie watcher. But, over the past year, meeting up with some wonderful and amazing martial art movie actors, directors, and experts through social media, I decided to take a peek at a couple of these action packed movies. I’m not suggesting that you use them as a personal training experiences, but truly, they give insight into why martial arts are so magical.  Yes, the fight scenes are choreographed (which is an art in itself!), but more than that, these movies remind you of the human spirit, the ability to achieve, and the power of the human mind to overcome.

So, you can bet when I’m next feeling a little lazy or out of sync with my practice, I’m going to check out a scene or two from some action packed martial art movie and remind myself how fortunate I am to have the opportunity to experience a martial art in my own life. In reality, if not for martial art movies, there would be a  huge group of martial artists who may have never even considered learning a martial art. Watching a martial art movie or two is on the list for me this year!

Blast into a year of achievement! 

Did you think of your own list of ways to rejuvenate your martial art practice in the upcoming year while reading this? I hope a few goals came to mind, too. Whether it is more physical practice, a renewed focus on mindset, seeking inspiration to keep you motivated, or taking a few moments to reflect on all that is good and right in your life, there is always something more you can do to make your martial art practice better and relevant in your life.

Here’s wishing that your martial art practice in the upcoming year is the best ever! Set your goals today and watch them come to fruition over the next several months. When the New Year rolls over next year, you will be a better martial artist than you are today, and that is an amazing and worthy achievement.

xoxo

Andrea

My new book, The Martial Arts Woman, is now available. Purchase through my e-commerce store: http://themartialartswoman.storenvy.com/ or on Amazon!

The Martial Arts Woman shares the stories and insights of more than twenty-five women in the martial arts, and how they apply martial arts to their lives. Unlike most other martial art books, the reader will catch a glimpse into the brave and empowered woman who dares to be all that she can be. Many of these women had to overcome great societal or personal challenges to break into the men’s world of martial arts. This book will motivate and inspire you to go after your goals in life and to fight through every challenge and defeat every obstacle. The Martial Arts Woman will open your eyes to the power of the human spirit and the martial art mindset that dwells in each of us!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Andrea F. Harkins is a  writer, motivator, life coach, martial artist, and public speaker. Her book, The Martial Arts Woman, is now available at themartialartswoman.storenvy.com or on Amazon!

Andrea is Internationally known for her positivity through martial arts efforts and outreach, and her writing. She is currently a columnist for Martial Arts Illustrated UK, The Martial Arts Guardian (UK), the World Martial Arts Magazine, MASUCCESS, Conflict Manager, Martial Arts Business (Australia), The Parrish Village News, and her blog, The Martial Arts Woman.  Contact her through this website’s CONTACT ME page for information on public speaking, autographs, and life coaching.