Keeping a training diary

[busling]

A while ago my SiFu suggested to all her students (including me) that we keep a training diary. I have recently started to do this and have found that it has helped me to focus my training. I can better see the progress of correcting my weaknesses. It also helps me to remember new techniques that I learn.

 

I have written out all of my Forms/katas and wooden dummy sets. As I learn a bit more of these sets I write it down. Reading these back and visualising them helps me to remember and refine them.

 

Does anyone else keep a training diary? How do you use it? What does it help you with? Have you found that it hindered any of your training?

[SevenStar]

I use one to keep track of new drills and techniques we learn in bjj. It helps me to remember, as in bjj, you will learn ALOT of setups for various techniques.

 

for thai boxing, I use it to document things such as details of a particular technique, curriculum outlines for the classes I help teach, etc. and random training notes, such as new exercises to perform, pad drills that I come up with, etc.

[Shorin Ryuu]

I keep one. It helps me to look over my notes. When learning new material, it helps me to remember it later on. I also write down my varying interpretations of kata or things that jump out at me when I am practicing so I can ponder them at a later time. All in all, it just plain helps.

[cvkid]

I've found that a great help to my training his been filming sparring matches.I have alot of friends who train and we have get togethers and film backyard sparring,grappling,bag work or whatever someone suggest.Alot of times it's on the weekend and we have little tourney's and stuff.Sometimes the weekend events are done while we have a few drinks.I don't suggest this but it is very fun,just becareful.It sound pretty stupid,but nobodies been injuried so far(other than a bloody lip,or blackeye)and we've been doing it for about eight years now.There's even been times when we've invited our instructors,they usually have a good laugh.

[RaidenTB]

I make notes after practice when something was explained in detail or if anything new and interesting what I'd otherwise forget was said.

 

Once I took time and put down the principles of the techniques, drills, kumite that we do and I update that regularly. Also interpretation and details of katas.

 

It really helps. I read trough the notes from time to time and I always find something I forgot about, something I should work on.

 

The only down thing for me is, that I sometimes feel that I will never be able to include all what is written in these notes - into practice. But that's not really what MA are about, right? We should keep trying

[Pacificshore]

I have a binder

[Shane]

Keeping notes or a journal a great way to help retain all of the information MA training has to offer. I keep a binder full of all of my notes and techniques. As my students progress they are given copies of the pages that I have for what ever particular level that they are at. I also encourage them to keep their own notes this way their binder will be twice as think as mine filled with my point of view and their own, its just another great way to keep adding tricks and methods into your basket of techniques.

[Shorin Ryuu]

I agree with cvkid that filming sparring or even just practice in general is a great tool to supplement your training. It really gives you a look at what you are doing from the outside, which can help with a lot of things.

[47MartialMan]

Wow, I did more than that. Perhaps too excessive. I kept a whole journal/diary clost to since i started martial arts. It is many. many notebooks.

 

Yeah, but any record is good reference.

[shanemm]

i don't really find a need for writing down the techniques...the only thing that i really have in text(other than books) are the tkd forms that i found online. what things do you write in there? and can't you just find a book on it? i don't mean to be incredulous but i don't understand. If you will, post a few examples.