(2 minute and 5 second read)

The journey to becoming proficient in any field, especially the martial arts, begins with a fundamental truth: you must first become a great student.
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Training and practice isn’t just about passively absorbing information; it’s about taking an active role in your own learning, and being fueled by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and experience.
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A recent encounter with a 2nd dan black belt instructor from another style perfectly illustrates this point. When I offered him the opportunity to train with us, to do something different, he declined, citing a desire to “stick with his style.”
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This underscores a crucial distinction between individuals aspiring to excel and those content with mediocrity.
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Merely showing up to practice and going through the motions falls way short of what you should be trying to achieve. Successful training and improvement requires thoughtful reflection and an unwavering commitment to self-improvement, to learning more, to delve deeper into the art you follow.
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During your practice and training you should always be asking yourself; Can I do this any better? Is there another way to do this? Does my movement feel efficient and natural?
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Great students, and consequently great teachers, don’t wait for external cues to improve. They are their own harshest critics, constantly analyzing their strengths and weaknesses always looking to be better.
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Pushing beyond your comfort zone is essential, as this dedication to self-directed learning forms the cornerstone of true proficiency.
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And there are times you just won’t get it, every lesson can be frustrating and you will feel like you’re standing still. But the path to proficiency is not a sprint, it’s a lifelong marathon. There will always be something new to learn, a technique to refine, or a principle to explore more deeply.
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“What you have been taught by listening to others’ words you will forget very quickly; what you have learned with your whole body you will remember for the rest of your life.” – Gichin Funakoshi
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Having a feeling of excitement when challenged with something new, you can embrace this never-ending journey with an insatiable curiosity and a relentless drive to be better.
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Don’t settle for being average; strive to be exceptional.
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The greatest teacher is often the one within. So never stop questioning, learning, and growing.
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Find mentors and training partners who challenge and inspire you. Surround yourself with individuals who embody the qualities you aspire to possess, and learn from their experiences and insights. Remember, the path to greatness is rarely walked alone..… And don’t turn down those opportunities that occasionally come your way.
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Embrace a lifelong love of learning, and transform your practice from a mere workout into a journey towards self-improvement and a deeper understanding.
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So, step onto the mat with an open mind, a hungry spirit, and the unwavering belief that you can always be better than you were yesterday.
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“I am a student, not a master. I am still learning, and I will never stop learning.” – Nelson Mandela
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