Martial Arts Training Principles

Principle #1: Prepare yourself for anything.

We live in a society that has programmed us to behave and react in a certain way, and we must evolve beyond that programming. Life is always changing, and nothing that is alive is static. For that reason, you must be empty and open to anything - anytime anywhere. Step out of your comfort zone, and instead of avoiding those uncomfortable situations, study yourself carefully, learn from your mistakes and face your fears.

Principle #2: Create a daily discipline.

Discipline allows you to detach from your own individuality and to connect with something greater than yourself. You become whatever art you practice. In martial arts, the training is not about you or your ego, but about allowing the discipline to transform you. Cultivate a daily practice and discover just how much having a discipline will change your life.

Principle #3: Train your body.

Train your body by developing skills like flexibility, agility, speed, strength, reflexes, power and inner strength. Become aware of what you are putting into your body, and be conscious of the effect of the foods that you consume: which ones give you energy and which steal energy away? Aim to eat four to five small meals a day, it's easier to digest and provides a more constant level of energy. Drink a lot of water, to help eliminate toxins and keep your body clean. Your body is wise and knows exactly what it needs. Develop the sensitivity to listen to it at all times.

Principle #4: Sharpen your mind.

Strive to learn something new everyday. Go beyond your daily routine and explore something different expanding your knowledge. Choose to do an hour of reading instead of an hour of TV a day. Build friendships with individuals that you can engage into deeper conversations that will make you question your concepts, habits and ideas. Become inspired, search, observe, study, practice and learn new skills, when the opportunity arises.

Principle #5: Develop your sixth sense.

Being able to see beyond (with more than your eyes) is one of the greatest skills of all. By tuning into a higher state of perception, one that goes beyond words, you are able to work on a higher plane of consciousness. Meditating everyday, in a disciplined way, will take you to the end of your mind - revealing a true knowledge that directly stems from your instincts and intuition. Instincts are never wrong; they are the link to our animal existence.