The importance of focus in your training.
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The word gets tossed around so much in the martial arts that it’s almost become a cliché, but focus is one of the most important tools you can apply to your training routine.
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Focus and attention to detail during training is key to improving and making long term progress. The more intently you are able to focus, or be mindful of the small details of techniques, movements and drills etc, the more you will be able to improve. No one gets better from sloppy form.
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The Japanese have a proverb that says; “Ude o migaku” (To polish one’s arms). In Japan, discipline and training are considered essential to success in any field.
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It’s important to try to eliminate distractions during training. One important element of focus is the ability to stay in the present. Focus on being in the now and what you are doing, NOW. Focus on the task at hand and clear your mind from distractions. Don’t get stuck worrying about what happened at work or what you need to do when you get home. Dedicate this time to yourself and put all your effort into your training.
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Skills require attention and development. Without proper focus, you will never see improvement. Getting better at a skill is a great way to stay motivated, and lack of motivation is one of the reasons people quit before they reach their goals.
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Training should be a means to an end, not an end all unto itself. There should be a reason why you are doing what you are doing. Yes, it is important to stay focused on the training itself, but not without the framework of an end goal. Make sure you focus on your long term goal to keep from getting sidetracked by the ebb and flow of daily pressures, and to ensure that you are doing the appropriate work to reach your destination.
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A legitimate instructor focused on skill development will help you develop those specific skills, which will be well-defined and measurable.
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Work on getting better at something with each training session. Remove distractions! Set an intention for your training and maintain focus to accomplish it. And finally….. Don’t lose sight of where you want to be. 
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Ignore the noise, FOCUS on your work. STARVE your distractions, and FEED your FOCUS.
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 Photo Credit: Suzuko Okamura-Hamasaki
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