To Train or Not To Train That Is The Question …

The Importance Of Training Even When You Don’t Want To

We all have those days…. It’s cold and dark, we had a rough day at work. We feel ill and the journey home seems to take forever.

You arrive home, it’s warm and comfortable and the last thing you feel like is going back out. But it’s training night. I really should go? Just one night off will be ok, won’t it?…

Generally speaking there is nothing wrong with the odd night off from training as long as it does not become a habit. In-fact, the odd night off is good for you but it is important to understand why you are taking the time out and to recognise that training is actually better for you.

Over the many years of my martial arts training and teaching I have lost count of the times and number of students who have said, “I wasn’t going to train tonight but I’m so glad I did”. In fact I probably hear this on a weekly basis.

Consistency in training is one of the keys to developing fitness and skill and maintaining a consistent training regime is crucial. There will be days when you are physically, mentally and emotionally challenged but it is a well known fact that the best antidote for all of those negative states is exercise.

No matter what your reasons for training whether it be for fitness, fun, competition or self-defence training when you are not necessarily at your best is a good learning tool. It will take you out of your usual comfort zone which is important for growth on a personal level as it will challenge you to adapt and modify how you perform when you are unable to bring you A game to the field.

From a self-defence point of view this is crucial. We cannot choose the best time for an assault to happen, feeling fatigued, hungry, cold, sick, emotionally challenged, angry or any other negative emotion will not help us deal with the situation we must still act. If your usual response to any of these negative feelings is to give up then that is probably what you will do in this situation.

From a competitors view point there will be many times in your career when you are not necessarily at your 100% best when fight night arrives. However, you still have to get under those ropes, knowing how to adapt your game should be part of your training.

Understanding how you respond to negative circumstances is one of the most important lessons we can learn from training in the martial arts so if you can’t bring you’re a game to very situation you must learn how to make the best of your B game.

Author: Anton St’James
9th Degree Grand Master, and Owner of Masters Academy Plymouth.

For more information about learning martial arts at Masters Academy Plymouth call 01752 262233 or Click Here.