What does it mean to train well in any martial art?

[donearguingwithidiots]

A lot of people here have agreed that it is not the art you choose, but how you train in that art. I agree. But let us define (for the less experienced) what training hard means. Frankly doing a front kick (or any other technique) twice a week 10 times each, is not training, you have not even really warmed up.

So what is training hard? Obviously your age, physical condition, and time will influence what you have time to do. But here is what I consider decent training (not competition level, just decent training):

3 classes per week wherein the classes are rigorous enough to leave one bathed in sweat.

A minimum of 1 solo training session per week where one works on improving some area for a minimum of one hour.

A minimum of 1 solo training sesison per week where one practices the arts essentials (go through the kata/poonsea, or work the basic techniques). Personally once per week I go through all the forms, starting with the first all the way through.

Add to this target/ bag drills (if it is a striking art).

Add to this at least 2 pure cardio/fitness workouts a week (run, weights, whatever).

I would consider that a decent training regimine. If you are going to be trying to compete, you need to increase the cardio, spar at least twice a week, and probably increase bag/target practice.

What are you thoughts on 'good training"? What is decent training? What is hard training? What is minimal training?


Just FYI, I am 40 and have a family and career, Some people say they dont' have time to train, well
1. Turn the TV off occaisionally.
2. Make some of the training a family thing. Like my son does the weightraining with me so we spend time together doing that.(he did TKD up to red belt, but did not like it)

 

[John D]

i do silat once a week for near 2 hours
my training every day consists of going over patterns and just whenever im standing around in the kitchen practicing.
i train every 2nd day on fitness/muscles etc & i eat healthy.

to me that is a decent enough training for somebody who cant afford the gym or a punching bag.
it keeps me fit and i practice with a partner wherever i can to test it out

 

[allison]

Well training well in martial arts can mean something different to everyone but i think it means that rather than just practicing karate, you study it. By this i mean you take the time to learn the meaning of each of the techniques in a kata and you learn the meaning of all of the names and the people who invented the style.
At the dojo that i go to it is required that you go a minimun 2 times a week but you can go more. I think that if you work hard enough so that each class you go home sweating and drink an entire bottle of water is doing well in class. To me training well also means that when you have free time at home instead of watching tv or going on the computer, you find an empty space in your house and you practice the different katas or techniques you might need more practice on. It also means trying to take what you learn in class and bring it into your everyday life. My sensei always says that you need to bring mind body and spirit into everything you do. To me it also means that if you have an extra hour (how long each class is) then you take the time to drive to the dojo (or have someone drive you) so you can study further and get an even better workout for the day. I hope my answers what you were looking for.

 

[allison]

Well training well in martial arts can mean something different to everyone but i think it means that rather than just practicing karate, you study it. By this i mean you take the time to learn the meaning of each of the techniques in a kata and you learn the meaning of all of the names and the people who invented the style.
At the dojo that i go to it is required that you go a minimun 2 times a week but you can go more. I think that if you work hard enough so that each class you go home sweating and drink an entire bottle of water is doing well in class. To me training well also means that when you have free time at home instead of watching tv or going on the computer, you find an empty space in your house and you practice the different katas or techniques you might need more practice on. It also means trying to take what you learn in class and bring it into your everyday life. My sensei always says that you need to bring mind body and spirit into everything you do. To me it also means that if you have an extra hour (how long each class is) then you take the time to drive to the dojo (or have someone drive you) so you can study further and get an even better workout for the day. I hope my answers what you were looking for.