What Kind of Student are you?

Over the years I have had the opportunity to work with so many different students. These folks have ranged in ages 8 years old to 80 years old. So many different backgrounds, nationalities, ablility level, training goals etc...

As an instructor I have seen so many students come to us in various mental, physical and emotional states. I truly believe that Martial Arts in any form improves the students lives if they are seeking to conquer their own fears. Perhaps they wakled into our doors looking to get into shape. Perhaps they came to us because they were being abused by their spouse. Perhaps they came to us because they are a soldier or law enforcement officer who needs a specific skill set. It does not matter why they came to us, the fact is that they have come to us and we are giving them what they need and so much more.

The students who embrace their new lifestyle, and believe me, training is a new lifestyle. For these students who embrace their new tribe (this is what we call our family of students) we see immediate changes in them. They begin to get in better condition. They have emotional breakthroughs because they are in an enviornment that is both demanding and nurturing. They begin to see themselves differently and all of these things are more important than any punch, kick or technique that we have ever taught them.

There is something magical that happens when students come together to learn and improve themselves. There is almost a "third mind", that is created when people get together and work toward a common goal. A students life is enriched in every aspect because they have surrounded themselves with like minded individuals.

If you are not training consistently you are robbing yourself of a magical experience. Do not allow the day to day grind of life to distract you from your training. Everything in life boils down to habit. It is habit to train or not to train. So who are you going to be? Are you the type of student who wants to train hard? Do you want to wear the shirt and shorts and say you train but never attend class? It's your decision.