Resolutions

[Zaine]

It's that wonderful time of year when we all set resolutions for the upcoming year. What are you martial arts (or non-martial arts) related resolutions this year?

Before you choose, let's talk about making resolutions. I'm sure we've all made goals that we have failed to stick to. 12 months is a long time and bad habits die hard. The best way to create new habits (e.g. exercise more) is to create short term goals as "mile markers" to the longer term results you want? Do you want to lose 50 pounds? Break that up into 5 pound increments. That way, you have a better idea of where you are in the process, and you have a lot of different victories planned on the way. Want to just exercise more? Instead of committing to going to the gym 5 days a week from the jump, commit to 2 days a week and re-evaluate once a month if you're wanting to do more. Furthermore, find an exercise (or program) that you have fun doing! Exercise doesn't have to be a chore! I like riding bikes, so when I want to exercise, I ride a bike or stationary bike because I like doing it. When you like doing something, you're more likely to do it without having to convince yourself to do so.

Finally, don't feel the need to set long-term resolutions. A few years ago, I made a resolution to do 1000 kata in January. I accomplished it! It was a lot of work, and some days were easier than others, but it was a lot of fun and it felt good to finish. That good feeling helped me set other goals throughout the year.

Now, without further ado.

Martial arts resolutions:

• Grand champion in a tournament
  • This is ultimately a goal that will be realized in January 2027. The circuit I compete in holds their grand championships in January after all the regular tournaments of the year have finished. Still, this goal will help me remember to train consistently so that I am placing well in the regular tournaments so that I qualify. Even if I don't achieve this, it will still result in me becoming a better martial artist.
• Learn Nipaipo
  • I just like this kata and have had my eye on it for a while.
• Continue Kobudo
  • I love kobudo
• Publish something related to Martial Arts
  • I am thinking about potentially pivoting this into just making more karate content for tiktok/social medial. I could do both, but I don't want to overload myself. My passion is writing, so I usually default to that.

Non-martial arts resolutions:

• Fully heal from tendonitis
  • In September, I developed tendonitis in my right foot. It has been rough to deal with and I have let it tank my mental health. It has also kept me from training martial arts since September.
• Be more proactive with my mental health
  • 2025 was a rough year for me. With medical issues, and a hospitalization for mental health, it wasn't my best year. I want to be more present in 2026 and more active in my management of my mental state.