Things I say to fellow martial artists...

A few days ago, I posted about what I'd like to say to parents of kids in the martial arts. On the other side of the coin, here are some things I tell fellow martial artists, when needed.

Please note, I teach karate and jiu-jitsu. Most of these apply to both, but some may not.

1. Hygiene is good. Really good. Manners are, too.
I enjoy my daily shower and you should too. Nobody likes being paired up with that one guy known as the "stinky guy." Hygiene extends to your uniform and clothes! Don't forget, wash that belt, too! Be polite and have fun with training partners.

2. Less is more when strength is involved.
Most proper martial arts moves do not require a tremendous amount of strength to make them effective... especially holds and locks in grappling arts like jiu-jitsu. When I say you should need very little strength to make this work... I mean like the amount of strength a 10-year-old girl has.

3. Timing is everything.
Really. It is. Doesn't matter if we are talking about punching and kicking, or when to attempt a submission hold. Do it at the wrong time and you will fail. Time it right and you will succeed. It is that simple.

4. Positioning is everything.
In striking, this is called having the proper angle. In grappling, it is called having the right postue or position. Either way, without timing and positioning, any move is doomed to fail.

5. Those who can... teach.
In most everything else the phrase is "those who can't... teach." In martial arts, the teachers are the ones who can. Listen to them and you will find great nuggets of information. Also, seek out different teaching methodologies. Two people describing the same things will do so in different ways... one of those ways may make more sense to you on a given day.

6. Understand the purpose.
Back in the day, martial arts were for killing the enemy. Since we don't kill folks much anymore, the arts have modernized. Sports have formed of the arts. Techniques have been refined. More techniques added. Understand the purpose of the technique. Understand because if you do ever have to use your self-defense art for self-defense, there are some moves that are better than others.

7. Don't hop.
Some people train a little here, then a little there, and so on. The result is a jack of all trades and a master of none. This is a dangerous place to be. Master one art or style first and foremost, then go back and add other stuff. Stick with stuff!

8. Don't be a one-dimensional player.
Opposite side of the coin from #7. Don't languish in one art only. Broaden your horizons and learn other stuff, too.

9. You learn best by teaching.
Don't knock teaching... even if you aren't the "teacher type." You actually learn more when teaching. You learn more about the moves. You learn how different people respond to those moves. You learn more about yourself, too.

10. Pass it on to the next generation.
If you enjoy something, chances are that others do, too. It was no surprise to anybody when my son started martial arts at age 3. Invite your friends and family, too. But understand not everyone will enjoy the martial arts. Nothing is for everybody.