New Year's Resolutions for Martial Arts Students

As a certified Karate instructor, I always encourage students to set goals to focus their martial arts studies. This year, take advantage of New Year's by making resolutions to hone your studies in the coming year. Here are some New Year's Resolution ideas to help you get the most out of your martial arts studies.

Reach your Next Belt Rank

Every student loves the feeling of reaching that next rank. Since there are different requirements for each martial arts style and their ranks, you should first meet with your instructor to see what will be required to accomplish your goal. Next, create a list of smaller, more achievable steps to reach your next belt rank. Your list should include deadlines to help you complete each task on schedule. Once each step is complete, mark it off your list.

Achieve Perfect Attendance

Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate, compared the study of martial arts to water that must be constantly heated to remain warm. For this reason, your class attendance can greatly influence the benefit you get from your studies. Another great New Year's resolution is to seek a perfect attendance record in your class. Mark your calendar with the dates and times of your classes for the year. This will not only help remind you of classes, but ensure that you don't schedule other events during your study time. Mark your calendar with a star to record each day that you attend classes to track your progress.

Compete in a Martial Arts Tournament

If you have never competed in a martial arts tournament, make it your resolution this New Year's. For students who have competed before, set a goal to attend a certain number of events throughout the year. First, talk to your instructor about any tournaments that may be available in the local area. Once you have selected the events that you want to attend, immediately fill out your tournament entry form and prepay the registration fee. This is a strategy that works well for me since I am less likely to skip out on an event that I have already prepaid.

Try a New Martial Arts Style

This New Year's make a resolution to diversify your training by studying a different martial arts style. Since some styles like Karate focus on stand up fighting and others like Jujitsu concentrate on ground fighting, select one that complements your current studies. Talk to your instructor first since many schools teach multiple disciplines. If none are available there, check you phone directory for other schools in your area.

Be sure to talk to your instructor about your New Year's resolutions. They will be able to help, encourage, and keep you accountable. They may even be able to offer some additional New Year's resolution ideas.