New Year’s resolutions for Martial Artists

It’s that exciting time of year, when the previous year comes to an end and the new year is about to begin!

Endless possibilities lie ahead, and you’re ready to accomplish all your goals and reach for the moon!

The honest truth is… this feeling won’t last long past January 2nd…

So we have to make GOOD resolutions that are simple, clear and measurable!

Let me share a few ideas I have for you to improve your 2023 training experience:

1 – Stretch for five minutes a day

Stretching helps us perform better in our Taekwondo training, as well as helps prevent injury as we progress.

By stretching for 5 minutes daily, you can hit the major flexibility spots and still have time for stretches that feel good!

Not to mention, by stretching every day we become the kind of person who improves themselves.

Every.

Single.

Day.

That kind of person, becomes legendary over time!💪🏻

2 – Practice off the mats only on the days that end with ‘Y’

Training on the mats once, twice, three times per week in class is good… and you’ll definitely progress.

Slowly…

Inefficiently…

We are what we consistently do, so developing good habits around practicing techniques and patterns at home will help us improve more effectively.

Imagine if our Sabumnim didn’t have to TEACH us from square one… but rather they watched us show them our techniques and they fix minor details as we go… We would accomplish so much more in our training session!!

Training at home can be done in our PJs, Dobok, bathing suit, anything!

Training at home can be done in our room, backyard, living room, local park, anywhere!

Training at home can be include Poomsae, individual techniques, strength, flexibility, etc.

There’s no excuse to not practice off the mats on the days that end with ‘Y’ (That’s all of them by the way!)… and it shows either way when your Sabumnim watches you.

3 – Work on the things you feel are your weakest points

Maybe it’s your non-dominant leg with kicks

Maybe it’s your non-dominant arm with punches

Maybe it’s your advanced kicks?

Basic kicks?

Spinning?

Poomsae??

Everyone has something they are GOOD at and LOVE to train with Taekwondo.

On the flip side, everyone has something they are BAD at and DON’T ENJOY training in Taekwondo.

For me, I love practicing basic motions and Poomsae. Making sure the punches, kicks, blocks and stances are strong and crisp are what make me happy. I also love working out and improving my athleticism.

My advanced kicks? They are terrible!

My flexibility? It stinks!

So at least for me, I’ll be working on those this next year in 2023.

Do you want to know the best part about training something you don’t normally train??

You’ll improve so much more because you haven’t put that much time in… so even a few minutes will yield GREAT results

Happy New Year to my fellow martial artists!