Training outside the do jang to support your martial arts

Martial arts is a fantastic way to get fit, building strength, balance, flexibility, stamina and mental agility.  But you might sometimes feel there are specific things you'd like to work on to become an even better martial artist.  The martial arts journey isn't just about the time we spend on the mats; it's about bringing that energy and Blackbelt attitude into our everyday lives.

Child training in living room

Time to Reflect! 🤔

Take a moment this week to reflect on the progress you've made. Remember your very first class? Look at you now! You're stronger, more confident, and picking up all kinds of techniques.  Acknowledging these wins is super important and helps keep that motivation fire burning bright. 🔥

Now, how can we keep that momentum going outside of the dojang? This isn't about turning your living room into a fight club or practicing your spinning kicks on your nearest and dearest (please don't!). It's about finding little ways to support your training and turn daily life into an extension of your practice. We all have different starting points and different goals, and the best journey is the one you can enjoy at your own pace.

Level Up at Home! 🏡

Here are some fun, easy ideas to keep you moving and help your training, no matter where you are on your fitness journey:

Cardio 🥵:  If you're building up your stamina, regular walking or running may be beneficial.  A program like Couch to 5k is brilliant. It guides you from walking to running 5k in just 9 weeks, with plenty of rest days built in. If dancing around the house to your favorite tunes is more your jam, that's an awesome, upbeat way to get your heart rate up too! 💃 The key is to find something you enjoy.

The TV Stretch: 📺 Watching Netflix? That's the perfect time to work on your flexibility! Pop into a gentle stretch from our warm up routine while you're watching your favourite show. You'll be more limber for high kicks in no time. Remember to listen to your body and only stretch to a comfortable point!

Forms in the Kitchen ☕ : Waiting for the microwave to ping or the kettle to boil? That’s prime time for running through your forms or practice building your balance.  My favourite is to stand on one leg whilst brushing my teeth.  A little shadow boxing or a quick form in the kitchen helps build that muscle memory and makes boring moments more exciting! 🥋

Regress to Progress! Struggling with push-ups? No problem! Start with incline push-ups against a wall or a sturdy counter. As you build strength, you can move to your knees, and eventually a full push-up. Remember, modifying exercises is a sign of a smart martial artist who is training for longevity.

Find a willing volunteer!  If you're working on self-defenses, ask a trusted family member or housemate for a practice grab. Remember to keep it very slow and gentle. This is not about going all out for power but practicing your techniques with control.

Visualise Your Success! 🧠

Your mind is a powerful training tool! You don't always need to be physically moving to improve. Spend a few minutes each day sitting comfortably and visualizing yourself performing your techniques perfectly. Picture yourself practicing your moves or your forms with power and precision. This mental rehearsal can significantly improve your actual performance in the do jang by building focus and reinforcing muscle memory.

The goal is to integrate these small actions into your routine so that when you step back into the do jang, you're ready to absolutely smash it!

Keep up the incredible work, everyone. I can't wait to see you on the mats and hear about your progress!

Stay awesome! 💥

Kyo Sa Nim Kerry McAtkin