How do you keep your focus?

[osuperu]

Wondering how everyone keeps all their distractions and thoughts out?

..as a beginner (2 months..) i definatly need to work on keeping focus, and i do have incredible great days at the dojo..but also off days..mostly due to losing my focus and thinking about that world outside the dojo.

we meditate for a minute or so before and after class...but i feel that isnt enough.

What are all you guys ways to bring that focus in...and keep it there!

thanks

[unknown]

Just go in with a clear head. That is all I can tell you.

[traz]

hmm, while you're training, are you thinking about unrelated things? If so, unfortunately, I don't know what advice to give. Since I've started, the moment I step into the dojo, my mind is fully concentrated. I think it stems from how much I want to learn...I WANT to focus on my technique, because I love doing it.

Actually, I'm the opposite. I need to know how to STOP focusing on martial arts, even at school or at work hah. I'm always thinking about it!

[osuperu]

so right off the bat you were able to have perfect concentration in the dojo?

wow..you must have a nice life

Edited April 28, 2005 by osuperu

[karatekid1975]

Me too Traz LOL.

Anyways, osuperu, try to clear your head before class. You said your class meditates before class? This is the time to do so. Leave your outside life at the door to the dojo, and focus on class. You can go back to life later. For the time you are at the dojo, listen to your instructor, not your head After class is the time to go back to worrying about stuff

Martial arts is actually a "release" for me. That's where I get my "break" from life. Find a kata (form) or technique that you need work on. I know that will keep you busy for a while

[osuperu]

well its definatly a release for me too, even an escape from it all....thats why im keen on trying to keep all that out in the dojo... but its harder than i thought....i think i think way too much..haha think'...

[italian_guy]

If one minute of meditation before class is not sufficient use the time when you dress to clear the mind. We don't do meditation at the beginning. (sometimes we do it at the end) I use the time when I'm putting my gi on to clear my mind and the periods shortly before the start of the class.

I know sometimes is not that easy to free the mind from the problems outside the dojo, but it is important to realize that without focus the performance worsen a lot.

[Venrix]

Hi osuperu!

I seem to be following you around the board and bombarding you with my opinions. It's nothing personal - it's just working out that way.

How does one stay focused?

The answer to this question is different for every individual. Since, the root of focus lies in a single question:

"Why am I doing this?"

If you are not able to answer this question for yourself then focus will always be an issue for you. I'm not suggesting that you list your reasons for training here in the forum. Indeed, I suggest that your innermost motivations remain personal and undiscussed. Why? Because even the strongest amongst us can begin to doubt ourselves when hundreds of people (online) start 'attacking/knocking' our motivations.

I suggest you simply ask yourself: "Why am I doing this?"

Then ask yourself: "Am I getting what I want?"

If you are - you will have no problem staying focused on your personal goal - whatever that goal may be.

If you are not - is this because the Dojo you are training in, or the instructor that you are training with cannot give you what you seek? Or, is it that you are allowing yourself to take your eyes away from your goal?

Decide what you want. Decided how badly you want it. And, decided how far you are prepared to push yourself to get it.

Good luck my friend.

On a side note: From your questions (in other posts) on condititioning to your concerns regarding focus, you are asking us (and asking yourself) all the same questions that I asked when I began taking training seriously. I truley believe that you are head very much in the right direction.

-V-

[Shorinryu Sensei]

The biggest thing that keeps my mind focused is when I get smacked in the head, kicked in the gut, swept off my feet, or thrown to the floor by the guy across from me because I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing. You learn to focus very quickly that way.

[elila]

I used to find myself losing focus sometimes too. Happens every once in a while still.

If something is worrying you outside of class, during class is not the time to handle it. It's best to fwrite down all the things that are bothering you before class so that you can take care of it later. And if you're a kid, you should probably do your homework or chores before class that way you won't think,"Oh, I have to do this and this..."