Inspiration for Training???

Question

I was contemplating on my way to class last night why I am dedicating time and energy towards martial arts...

Every day I have class in fact I think how before I started training I could just go home after work. Instead of conditioning and whipping my body and mind into a way of life...So I asked myself why do it?

Is it a subconcious longing for the ability to be able to handle myself? Is it a inherent and natural need for violence...or combat...for lack of a better term? What draws me towards it and makes me think about it when not doing it?

I guess I want the overall conditioning, endurance, and added confidence it gives. I was a half a$$ed acrobatic to begin with, now my training has given me a sense of control over my body like never before...and the ability to understand and combat others actions...even those that may naturally be bigger or stronger...

So...What are your thoughts, what drives you and inspires you to train? Do you think about it during time off? Alot?

Answer 1

It's my vacation from life for me.  No matter what is going on, I go to the dojang and i'm free of the stress and can focus on training.  I work out in my off time and do drills that I would in class.  I also go through forms at night before bed to calm my mind right before I got to sleep.

Answer 2

For me it's necessary too - I have a job, kids, wife, friends, etc. that are all demanding something from me.  I'm glad to provide for my family.  I enjoy my job.  My friends are my friends for a reason...but when I work out, jog, lift, spar, or whatever it's time for me to focus on myself.  I use that time to clear my head and unwind.  

I believe it's vital to focus on yourself sometimes - look at how many Americans never pay attention to their mental or physical well-being.  America is an overweight, depressed culture and I believe it's because we have so many things distracting us from ourselves.  

I do think about training a lot, but mostly when I have outside stress - it's a place my mind can go to ease the pressure.  Knowing I have 2 hours for heavy bag and cardio tonight makes it a little easier to get through the work day.

Answer 3

For me it's the many. many, many fakes that answer these questions.  That what keeps me going!!

Answer 4

I didn't really get to train much since the relocation, new business, growing family and nurturing old injuries, and these are the reasons I sought to find martial friends to learn from and practice with.

I have the best of both worlds now with the addition of Jook Lum Southern Mantis on top of my White Crane Fist and have a whole network of people to workout with, from Chinese, to Filipino Arts.

This has renewed my excitement and I look forward to training and expanding my knowledge base.

A few weeks ago, I spent a weekend at the Tai Chi Park, which replaced the Tai Chi Farm. It was the annual Tai Chi Festival - Honoring the Birthday of the late Chen style Master Jou Tsung Hwa.

The energy in the Tai Chi Park was really positive and invigorating and learning new things and meeting new people made it that much better.

I am working towards acquiring a large property for a long time now so I can create the ultimate "Martial Grounds".

This project is what is keeping me inspired to go forward with my martial arts training.

Answer 5

This is a wonderful question!

Well, I believe that there is still the embedded desire for conflict and protection within our physiology. That might be the hidden desire for the study of the martial arts. We've just been the ones fighting from the start of our very existence, for food, warmth, love, life, land etc. Now there's not really that primal need anymore as the fighting has moved into the business world.

For me, my inspiration is seeing all of the things that our human body is capable of, and imagining what else it might be able to do. It's very exciting to me to think about and bring to fruition. I also look forward to practicing with others as we have that positive effect on each other's lives. Like it was mentioned in an earlier post... "Magic Doors"!!!

I practice every day even when I'm somewhere I can't formally practice. Walking down the street I go over scenarios in my head, watch passers by, use my footwork and tai sabaki when avoiding a person who's gonna run into me otherwise. I'll run through as much of a kata when in an elevator envisioning what the possibilities are for that cramped space. I do Fa Jing when I play pool (which is wild BTW), I work on Fa Chi when in the library to people who are reading books in the aisles (funny to watch). etc

Answer 6

For me it's because when the door closes on the Dojo I have 3 hours that I do not have to be supervisor, provider, or anything else except a student(unless I am teaching).

We like to say the school has magic doors. Once they shut, no matter what your problems are on the outside, they are not present in the school.

After 18 years it has also become a part of my DNA and I do not know who I would be without it, and really don't want to find out.

Answer 7

The only time I don't miss training is when I'm doing something else I enjoy  that is challenging like hiking , sailing, even then I take some time to train while on trips to do these things. I don't train as if I were competing. I just need to stay fit and control my weight. I do feel convicted when I don't practice after a few days. It really bugs me like a guilty feeling. Like I'm caught cheating or something.

Answer 8

For me it has become a necessary part of my life, it's similar to eating, sleeping, and drinking water.

I MUST train, otherwise I get really depressed.