Self Discipline - Tae Kwon Do Help?

Question

When I was around 11 or 12, my parents told me to take Tae Kwon Do Lessons, that it will help me with College's when it's put on my resume and that it will help me defend myself. I went in and first class was fun. The second class, I broke my toe, so I had to stay out for four weeks, but after that I hated going. I hated the fact I was in it. I hated to leave the house. I hated everything. Everyone said I looked good doing it and that I was really good at it, but I wouldn't listen. After a while I quit and it's been almost four or five years and I wanted to go back. I feel like I would like it now, so my mom signed me up again and I started back. At first I was just going once a week so I wouldn't overexhert my body. since I didn't work out alot. But now I just don't go period. I think I just don't have enough self discipline or maybe I'm just lazy. I mean, now I love Tae Kwon Do. I'm glad I'm in it and I like the feeling I get when I go. What can I tell myself to go more often?

Answer 1

just thinck of something you need to improve. and be determined you need to fix it. then you will want to go.

Answer 2

Martial arts training is intense.  It takes a lot of physical effort and a lot of mental effort.  It has a wonderful list of benefits when you train.

It is easy to let yourself fall out of training if you don't enjoy it.  You must have a level of desire to be there which outweighs what you put your body through to do it.  For some people the social interaction can make it fun.  Perhaps you can find a friend in the class to practice with.  For some it is competition that motivates them.  For others it can be accomplishing goals that motivates them.  For example getting the next belt can be a good goal.

You need to figure out what it is that motivates your desire to do it in the first place.  It needs to be much more than how it will look on a resume.  There are many things that look good on a resume which don't require that same level of effort.  Focus on your motives.

Answer 3

Look at your practice as having fun doing something new. It's easy to become bored with the continuous practice of the same techniques over and over again, but realize that you're doing something that will help keep your safe as well as in shape. Having goals is a great way to inispire yourself to go as well. If you desire to attain a black belt within a certain time, say three years, then go for that.

Answer 4

Every serious martial artist faces the problem where sometimes they just don't want to go to class.  It's a common thing.  But what concerns me is the fact that you've only been there for a little bit and already you don't want to go.  To me this seems like you love the "idea" of Tae Kwon Do, but don't actually love Tae Kwon Do.  

Maybe TKD just isn't for you?  Maybe there is another style that you would find more interesting?

When I don't want to go to class, I get angry at myself and just force myself to go.  Even though the whole ride there I'm kicking and screaming on the inside.  BUT, once I get there, I am happy I went and a little proud of myself that I went.

Also, once you dedicate to make it part of you life and lifestyle, it will become routine, and just become part of who you are.

Lastly, if you truly love it, then there are no excuses or laziness.  You just need to go.  You need to stop giving yourself excuses... suck it up, and start training.

Matt

http://www.martialfighter.com

http://www.fightauthority.com

Answer 5

I can relate...

I studied Matubayashi Ryu Karate from when I was 8 until I was 16.  Then I moved and thought (at the time) it disrespectful to start learning from a different Sensei.

I looked, but came to realize that even with my ridiculous idea, that my old Sensei was far better than I had thought - I didn't know any better and nothing seemed very good by comparison.

Later, after a 12 year break, I got sick of the fact I wasn't training.  The whole time, I loved the martial arts but didn't have the motivation to actually train until I just said "F*** IT!"  I'm finding a dojo.

So I went all over town and watched all sorted of schools with different styles in session.  Gojo Ryu Karate, Shorin Ryu Karate, Northern Shaolin, Muay Thai, Judo, Isshin Ryu Iaido, Kempo, Tai Chi, Ninpo (my cousin does that and suggested I give it a try), Hwa Rang Do, Brazilian Ju Jutsu and finally Aikido.

When I walked into the Aikido dojo I now attend, it was like a breath of fresh air.  It felt like home to me.  I had found what I really wanted to do though I didn't know it yet.  There were all sorts of full yellow page ads, but this place had a single line in the white pages - name of the business, address and telephone number.  That was it.

Keep in mind - it has nothing to do with the fact its and Aikido dojo - any style could have the same effect on a given person.  There, for me, was just a 'wow' moment and I was inspired.

The next day, I was on the mat and have been at least 3 times a week (at LEAST) for the past 7 years.  Now, I bow off the mat to greet visitors like I was greeted and teach regularly in the children's program.  Seems like I started just yesterday though.

What's the point of the story?  Well, first of all, love for something isn't enough - you also have to have a desire and love for actually doing it yourself.  Do you love to practice martial arts or do you just love martial arts?

Secondly, I know what you mean - I broke my big toe on the mat and was out for three months wearing this funky orthopedic shoe.  When I was healthy again and ready to train, the motivation wasn't there - my daily routine had changed and I had to sort of force myself back on the mat for a little while.

In short order, my old routine was back and felt normal again.  The change is the problem...  it doesn't matter if the change would be good or bad...  we resist change no matter and can come up with all sorts of 'rational' excuses if we allow ourselves to do so.

Its sort of like getting into a cold pool.  You can torture yourself and walk in slowly....  standing on the tip toes to avoid getting the balls wet (you guys know what I mean) or....  you can just jump in.

Its more shocking at first, but honestly, isn't it just easier to throw caution to the wind and just jump in?  The reason it works is it denies the mind the chance to start second guessing or make excuses.

Just do it - If you shouldn't be training for whatever reason (your heart isn't in it, you don't fit in the dojo whatever... you can always change later)

Later doesn't matter - now is what is happening.  Now is what you can control.  Now is where you make decisions and act upon them.

Personal experience tells me that now is all that matters so what are you going to do now?  Get on the old mat?  Find a different mat?  No wrong answers... unless that answer is to put off acting for another day.

Answer 6

Its not that we dont like are art, its the fact that we want to be good at it with out haveing to listen to someone day or week after.  Requires more time an rather learn at the own pace,  A river has many bends but it doesnt ask where it begins only know where it mite end.  If I do my best I can walk away happy.

Answer 7

take it a class at a time, or if you are really wanting that black belt and the many degrees of black belt lvls, use that to get you motivated or treat yourself to something to reward yourself when you do go to class, or find something else that you know you'd stick with.

Answer 8

Whever I need convincing to do something I usually just drown something. Running out of things to drown though and I have a mountain of house work D:

Answer 9

I used to take it also, same with me, it gets boring. And its hard to stay in because the coaches never force you to go. If you want to stay fit, tough, and strong join wrestling as a class course. It is fun once you get used to it, and you are forced to go And you do have self discipline there.

EDIT: judging by your name, im guessing your a girl, then i wouldnt recommend wrestling.