Recently changes have occurred in a curriculum that I teach. Now these changes were not something I initiated but they’ve got students agitated. It has made me think about why people train.
Personally, my training started because I saw the old Kung Fu TV show. After seeing the portrayal of discipline and control…along with cool fight scenes (for the time), made me KNOW that I needed to train. I had no idea of any martial arts, where classes were, how to find them…nothing.
Finally, as a college freshman, I found a community education “karate” class. Once I started training, I found that there were many other schools around…if you knew where to look.
Looking back at this, I really had no “reason” for training. Most people have an initial reason they start..be it fitness, self defense, socializing and others. All of these are a good place to start. As you continue to train, the question needs to be asked again. More knowledge, experience and growth will change the reason for training. Changes, such as that in curriculum, are obvious times to examine that reason.
So does rank matter? How about trophies? So, why do YOU train today?
Author: Master Robert Frankovich
As you read and enjoy the posts on this site, please consider “sharing” them! The “likes” help generate additional readership but “sharing” will help even more! Thank you for your assistance!
If you have questions, please feel free to contact me!
3 thoughts to “Why do you train?”
The reasons do change. I am still training for myself, to challenge myself and grow. I keep learning and changing. I was recently told something by Master F ( I had just learned form 7) . In thinking in about what was said and in follow-up conversations I now understand the comment. It is the same comment made to me when I was learning form 2. I did not fully understand then what he was trying to say to me, but I understand now. I have learned, grown and changed enough that I can now improve that portion of my training and myself.
When training is 100% for ourselves and our own growth, a belt or any other form of public recognition is not necessary. If a martial artist wishes to participate in a form of training that “pits” him or her against another artist, then rank of skill (in this case a belt) is almost always necessary. Because said curriculum offers both, the changes make navigating ones training choices interesting…………
Wow! Interesting question. So why do I train? To keep active, to challenge my body and brain, to widen my contacts and networks, because it is fun?!? If I learn a form, memorize a sequence of movements – that’s learning. It’s what I do with it after. Say “ok – done” or “ok, now what does this move mean or how can I make this better/powerful?” If you don’t improve or understand it = are you a martial artist? Truly learning? Just dancing?
People learn differently. I can learn a computer system and test the crap out of it, ask me to do a form that I have been learning for 2 weeks, and I *might* be able to do it for you, but it won’t be pretty, or powerful…yet.
Tournaments can be a learning tool, a test to see how you match up. See if you have the power/skill to execute under pressure. This year I am doing only the Diamond Nationals which is the biggest in the nation. My age/belt group splits into 2 groups = 1 for those that compete nationally and 1 for locally. I will be in the national group to see where I end up. See if I place. This will help me to see what I need to improve on as Master F and I review my video.
What it boils down to is keeping your body and brain active. It’s up to me to keep it interesting and be engaged. Now’s the time to fire up for Korea, which will be matching yourself with people from around the world – I personally think it would be very cool to get my next belt in Korea. Something to think about.
Comments are closed.