Notebooks/Journals/Etc.

[tommarker]

If you're not doing this already, try it for about a month and see how your training improves. Pick up a small, durable notebook, something that you can slip in your bag and carry everywhere you go. Also, it would help to keep a pen with the notebook.

 

After class, take a few minutes to write down important tips your instructor gives you, things you worked on, etc. If you taught someone, write about that. This is the easy part, just recording what you're doing in class.

 

The other stuff is more interesting. This should be your thoughts about martial arts in general. What do you think about the forms? What are your thoughts on application? Why is a certain form important? You may also want to use the notebook to brainstorm different ideas and flesh them out on paper before subjecting your students to them.

 

For example, if I want to teach a certain concept, I'll often think of some drills to do empty-handed to get everyone used to the motion, then explain it to them, and if needed, let them work with partners. If I'm feeling especially daring, I'll let them try to spar with it and test their ability.

 

Write down your goals, what is important to you, what you want to improve, etc. Occasionally, look back at the journal and see if you're meeting your expectations.

[WolverineGuy]

great post.

[WhiteBelt]

I used to do that with my weight training, and was just about to get a new book again for weights and eating. I might need to get a bigger book now...

[delta1]

I keep a notebook on techniques, forms, and general ma subjects. Anything important gets recorded, including questions or things I notice, or try and have good results with. It's an outstanding training aid. Good post.

[gheinisch]

Great idea! I'll start doing that. I feel silly not thinking of that myself.

 

That's why I love this site, so many great ideas from the simple to more complex coming from great karateka. Thanks again for the idea!

[Red J]

I have been doing that for the last two years. It is a great help to go back and review techniques, concepts, etc.

[italian_guy]

I think it is a great idea.

 

I will start today.

 

Thanks

[WomanInBlack]

I keep a file cabinet. I have manilla folders all labeled wherein I put jotted down info whether it be new techniques I've learned or an article I've torn out of my roomates magazine on self defense and even some print outs of forum advice.

[Pacificshore]

I've always kept a working binder of my studies. I still have my old, old notebook from my initial Chinese kenpo days. The only thing I have difficulty with writing down are my weapons katas

[Fish]

I keep notes of especially tips Sensei gives me about how to perform particular techniques correctly. Otherwise I'd just forget them! I'm also a musician, and one thing I've learnt from that is that if you practise mistakes, you learn them. So I try to practise everything correctly. There's so much to learn, I'd never remember it without some kind of note.