Tonight was the first training slot after the Christmas break and I have to admit that during the holidays I took every occasion to eat well. Such was my consumption though that when I actually got down to exercising this evening I sweated chocolate.
It was good to be back but curious to see how such a little time away from a consistent training regime led to a feeling of being a little out of sorts. Moves didn't feel quite so crisp and my muscle 'memory' seemed to be rusty.
I'd better get in shape and back on track as this year is mostly preparation for shorinji kempo black belt. This means getting fit and knowing my stuff as thoroughly as possible. Going into a grading well prepared helps me relax and really show good technique.
So these are my aims for the first half of the year and these will help shape my martial arts activities.
Anyone else sorted their goals for the year?
All about martial arts training and how it affects the way I lead my life: martial arts as personal development. You'll find tips on all aspects of martial arts training such as techniques, fitness, philosophy and history. Shorinji Kempo | Tang Soo Do | Iaido
5 comments:
I'm also preparing for shodan grading this year and I'm busy planning my training schedule to that end. In fact I'm documenting all my training in a new blog called 'countdown to shodan'. I would be interested to know how you will be preparing yourself for your black belt testing?
I found your blog while looking around randomly, but I like it.
Consistency is definitely important. Since I can only train in my school during the academic semester, the long winter and summer breaks is a test of my self-discipline. I feel like doing even ONE productive thing towards my training every day helps fulfill a manageable goal.
Principles for this year:
Treat everyone with respect. Even if it is not easy to do so.
Choose your battles carefully.
Don't catastrophize.
Be more modest, less selfish, more gracious, and less impatient.
Know your roles and priorities. Execute them faithfully.
Recognize the small and insignificant. Learn to let them go.
Remember that you ALWAYS have a choice.
Be compassionate to yourself and others. Don't take things personally.
Stop competing with people, animals, and inanimate objects.
Leave your ego at the door when you train. Keep your perspective.
Revisit these principles, monthly.
Hi T,
Thanks for your insightful input.
It's good to be reminded by you that one of the main ways to improve is to review objectives periodically. If we set objectives it's really beneficial to measure the outcomes and feedback into the loop. This also gives us a feeling that we're going somewhere.
Have a good year!...and hope to see you on do-ma again soon...
Seems like each year it takes longer to get back in shape after the holidays. Am I making a bigger hog of myself or is it just the metabolism letting me down. Probably a bit of both. I think we are all in the same boat!
Thanks Matt...it's good to know I'm not 'struggling' alone...:)
Actually I do think that one important aspect of training into older age is limiting my calorie consumption (or fatty calories anyway) as well as continuing to train in a reasonable way (not like when I was twenty for example!). My reasoning is that as I get older I won't be able to train in the same way as when I was younger so if I maintain the same calorie intake I'm going to pile on the pounds. Of course, this is a work in progress but I'm mindful of it.
Happy training!
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