You owe it to yourself to be the very best you can be in everything you do - Why not in the martial arts as well?

These seven steps will help you along the path to mastery in your martial arts training if you apply them. I can give them to you, but if you don't take action it's just another piece of knowledge that goes to waste. So start today and apply these seven simple steps and who knows you might be our next martial arts master'

Step 1: Practice your martial arts throughout the day - Here is the truth; you don't have to train hours a day. In fact, it's better to take your training time and divide it into two or three sections. Do a little in the morning, a little in the afternoon, and a little in the evening. Three 15 minute sessions done everyday, or four times a week, can revolutionize your skill level-and it's easy. I could write a small book on this; its number one for a reason.

Step 2: Have your goal in mind and train for it - You need to train the proper way or your wasting your time. For instance, if you want to train your speed, don't waste your time on exercises that aren't helping you progress toward your goal. I see this a lot. During your workout always ask yourself, 'Is what I am doing right now getting me closer to or farther from my goal.Don't underestimate this. Wasted time is lost forever, and may actually hold you back.

Step 3: Pay attention to the beginning and end of a motion, technique or exercise - You must start and end right. Most people get sloppy on the end of the movement because they think they have completed the motion and are just returning to a starting position. However, the end of a motion is just as important because it is the beginning of your next motion or next attacker. If you end wrong your next technique will start wrong'that could cost you your life.

Step 4: Let Your Body Tell You What Works For You - This takes faith in yourself and your instructor. Do not let your mind get in the way by questioning everything you do. Let it happen'it will.

Step 5: Find a Training PartnerTrain them and keep them. A training partner can make the difference between failure and mastery. Training with a partner also helps with motivation. You don't feel like training, but oops'your partner will be there, so you better not let them down. Just make sure your training partner is a good one. I had to go through eight before I found one that was good.

Step 6: Clear Your Mind Before and After Training- A busy mind can distract from your discipline. Sit and just focus on your breath until your thoughts slow down. Start and end your training the same way. It will turn your workout into a discipline and it does something else'

Step 7: Keep a Notebook of Your TrainingWrite in it everyday and use it. This is so important. Ask any distance runner if they have a running log or weightlifter if they keep records of their sessions. If you train you need to keep notes. That is how you become a master. Read your journal or training log and keep track of what works. When you master the art, you will understand this point. You must keep training notes if you want to master your martial art.

I actually have tons of tips, but I picked the ones I use most. These seven are so powerful that I really could write a whole book on them. Please do not underestimate them because they seem easy and use common sense. I have taught for over 21 years and the students that follow these tips are always the best ones.

A Final Thought

In my martial arts school I teach that it's the small things that make up the big things, the whole is greater than the parts of the sum. What I mean is that, each of the little things by themselves is just that, little things, but put them together and you have a very powerful approach! These seven tips are all good by themselves but together they can really make the difference. So good luck and if there is anything myself or my staff can do to help you please give us a shout.

To Your Heath,

Robert Jones
The Academy of Kempo Martial Arts
Bellevue, WA.
1-800-508-6141