How much is too much?

[Wastelander]

I am in the dojo 2-3 days a week, for 3-4 hours at a time. I always go through at least one or two kata every day, and watch videos or study reading material every day. Periodically, I will do more intense workouts on the days I'm not at the dojo.

[cheesefrysamurai]

Everyday I am training or thinking about training. Everyday I run through my forms-either physcially or in my head. Everyday, I participate in the classes I teach as much as possible. Everyday I feel the years of training in my joints. Everyday, I wake up ready to do it again!

Yes, I am obsessed.

ahhh a lady who gets me

[Archimoto]

Like with all things there is a limit.

I like to do at least 3 to 4 classes per week. I make time to practice at home as well and spend a lot of time thinking, reading, and stretching for the martial arts. Another aspect of training for me as I get older especially but ever since I started many years ago is my conditioning.

In this regard I also run, bike, and/or swim at least 3 to 4 times a week. There are many benefits to my extra conditioning exercises and one is that I can train longer and harder when I'm in class.

So I think it's good to strike a balance in your training between MA specific training and general physical activity and exercise.

By the way I also value the social aspect of martial arts. In this regard I also have several friends that I go running with that are not martial artists at all. For me, the social aspect of exercising in general is very important. It's good to "get out", in my opinion it makes you a better martial artist.

[bushido_man96]

How much is too much? When you aren't spending time with your spouse. When you would rather miss your child's activities for training. When it becomes work instead of enjoyment.

That's when it becomes too much. Also, when you overtrain your body and it can't recover. That's too much, too.

[Archimoto]

How much is too much? When you aren't spending time with your spouse. When you would rather miss your child's activities for training. When it becomes work instead of enjoyment.

That's when it becomes too much. Also, when you overtrain your body and it can't recover. That's too much, too.

Great perspective

[mal103]

I teach 2 hours a week, although ths takes up 3-4 hours with openeing up, chatting and going over things after class or answering questions.

I train at 2 other Dojo's total of 2.5 hours, this is where I pick up concepts to add to my teaching and to keep my Karate sharp.

I am lucky to have a Gym at work where there is a studio so I combine gym work with Kata practice unless i'm tired or aching then I go for a day off.

I also do an hour or two research on vids or books, would like to do more but only so much spare time...

[sensei8]

The MA is just a thing...family is before the MA...IMHO!!

[IcemanSK]

There was a time in my life when I trained to the point that it got it in the way of living my life. I got up at 5 am & ran 3-4 miles, then went to work. When I got home, I was a the gym for two hours each night. To the folks at the gym, I was an energizer bunny. I wasn't preparing for a fight, I was trying to somehow make up for the fact that my dad was dying of cancer (and I couldn't fix him...so I fixed me!)

Over the better part of a year, I lost 60 lbs. I walked around at 140 lbs. on my 5' 9.5" frame. Even my instructor was worried & told me to slow down & not train so much. I ate whatever I wanted, but never missed training. I was depressed, but I thought things were great because I was training. Somedays, I'd get up & run & then call in sick to work. It took awhile, but I got past it.

As others have said above, if one's training gets in the way of family, work, &/or fun, it's time to reassess one's life.

[CredoTe]

The MA is just a thing...family is before the MA...IMHO!!

Absolutely. Being a good MA/instructor pales in comparison to being a good father and husband...

[Zaine]

How much is too much? When you aren't spending time with your spouse. When you would rather miss your child's activities for training. When it becomes work instead of enjoyment.

That's when it becomes too much. Also, when you overtrain your body and it can't recover. That's too much, too.

Absolutely! You can't let something like this get in the way of your life. MA is fantastic and many people have incorporated it to become a huge part of their lives but they usually make sure to make time for things such as family and responsibilities (i.e. work).