At-Home Training

[Protagonist]

If I'm being a nuisance then don't be afraid to say so. I've been around here a couple of times so...

I'll try to keep this short since I've noticed that long forum posts, that often exceed a long paragraph or two, tend to intimidate a large amount of users from responding for some odd reason. Either that or my posts are boring and monotonous. I suspect the latter personally.

Anyways, I've seen a few posts where users have described how dedicated they are towards their martial arts training; how they've practiced everyday for hours on end. And, as much as I love karate, I can't seem to get myself motivated to apply what I've learned in the dojo to use as practice over the summer since my parents can't really afford putting me in karate classes at the moment.

So, I'm trying to get myself motivated in going outside, on a mat, and doing some karate so I can become more skilled and feel more confident in my abilities. But, when I get myself motivated I often ask myself, "What am I supposed to do?"

See, I'm so used to having sensei there to lead the class, so it feels weird to me when I think about doing high-block exercises without someone counting out for me. So, instead of going outside, on the mat, and doing some karate I sit inside the house, lost, and feeling ashamed of myself at the same time for not working hard at something I love, and instead I eat junk food (which I am trying to eat less of) and watch re-runs and hear my sister watch bad, predictable reality television for hours on end. No, I'm not a pessimist or anything, I just feel that instead of wasting my life inside as a couch potato, I could be outside in dry, eighty-degree weather getting exercise.

So basically to sum this post in a form of a question: What do I do when practicing martial arts at home, on my own free time? Do I just do what I do in the dojo at my school?

Thank-you for your responses. And yes, I love karate but I have trouble getting myself motivated.

(I would appreciate it if those of you who practice martial arts at home would share what you do.)

- Protagonist

Edited July 19, 2006 by Protagonist

[Wheezy]

Just either exercise or try and perfecting your techniques? I'm not an expert tho, but its what I would do. I wanna hear others responce on this tho.

[UseoForce]

By Solo Training 1 and 2, well worth the money, will tell you everything you need to know.

[bushido_man96]

I have to echo UseoForce. Those books are written by Loren W. Christensen. He also has a few others, titled Speed Training, Fighting Power, and The Way Alone. The latter is an older, yet still helpful, book. Any of these books will contain a countless number of drills that you can do on your own. I strongly recommend anything written by Christensen. He is very no-nonsense and to the point.

As far as your solo training goes, the wonderful thing is that you can do whatever you want to, or work on whatever you feel that you need to, and not have to worry about the conformities of a class. Warm up with some forms, and then think of something you need to work on, like breaking down your side kick, or whatever. Put together some combinations that you would like to try for sparring, and do them rep after rep until it is second nature.

Bottom line, do what you want and have fun.

[shinnekodo]

Perhaps, do kata. Works for me.

[lordtariel]

If I've had a really good class, I'll go home and write down what we did in a journal. When I'm away from the dojo for an extended period of time, I'll just follow some of the lessons that I've written down in my training journal.

[Shui Tora]

If I'm being a nuisance then don't be afraid to say so...

You are only a nuisance if you say you are. These forums are open for any discussion, no matter how obtuse the subject is.

Back on topic!

I tend to go through the katas (to warm my mind up) then begin to do some combinations that we would usually do in the Dojo...

It would be good if you could get a copy of the syllabus, then that way, you could practice the techniques from previous gradings as well as for your next one.

Even better; concentrate on your weaknesses. After all, the more practice you get, the better it'll be. I tend to concentrate on kicks (like Ushiro Mawashi Geri) as that is a weakness for me.

If I do not feel like practicing it, then I have books that I can read. There are some good books on the market that you can buy (focusing on Qi, Karate etc... There are loads about! )

It depends on you. Personally, the main problem is like you said; getting motivated, but when that is achieved, you're away!

(I don't need to get motivated as I know that if I do not practice it, then I will forget, but also it is something to keep fresh in my mind for when trouble comes along...)

Hope that helps...

[Protagonist]

Thank you everyone for your helpful advice, but I have one more question that I'd like to ask: When training at home do you wear your gi (or any other official martial arts uniform), or do you just wear regular work-out clothing?

-Protagonist

[bushido_man96]

Thank you everyone for your helpful advice, but I have one more question that I'd like to ask: When training at home do you wear your gi (or any other official martial arts uniform), or do you just wear regular work-out clothing?

-Protagonist

Since your at home, you could wear whatever you want. I don't usually wear my gi top, but I will wear the pants, as they are much nicer for kicking in. Also, if putting on the gi gets you revved up to work out, then go for it.

[Sohan]

To follow up on Bushidoman's comment, I have to add that I take every opportunity I can to train in street clothes or at least regular workout apparal with shoes. I'm not likely to have to fight off a mugger while barefoot in my gi, so why not train in the clothes that I might have to fight for my life in?

The more realistic, the better.

With respect,

Sohan