While perusing James Clear’s insightful book, “Atomic Habits,” I stumbled upon a revelation that resonated deeply with my martial arts journey. Clear interviewed Olympic coaches, seeking insights into the distinguishing factors between champions and hobbyists. Their response, “Champions handle boredom better,” left me with a newfound appreciation for the art of repetition.
In my Martial Arts of choice, Jeet Kune Do, Kali etc the essence lies not in accumulating many techniques but in mastering a select few to their utmost potential. Bruce Lee’s philosophy emphasizes practicality over extravagance, advocating for skills that seamlessly translate into real-world scenario
Repetition and Success in Martial Arts
Throughout my martial arts training, I’ve come to recognize the indomitable power of repetition. It’s the cornerstone of skill development, the mother of all mastery. Simply put, to excel in any endeavour, consistent practice is the sine qua non.
This can manifest in meticulously refining a martial arts technique a thousand times, deconstructing it into its constituent elements, and then rebuilding it with precision and finesse. It’s akin to learning to type, where the initial discomfort of using a single finger gradually transforms into fluid, two-handed proficiency.
Slow is fast in Martial Arts
In my classes at Interception Martial Arts Hull, I frequently draw parallels between typing and martial arts training. Recall the awkwardness of navigating a keyboard with a single finger, the furrowed brow as you search for the next letter. With time and familiarity, you dare to venture into two-finger typing, and before you know it, both hands are ablaze with efficiency.
The beauty of this approach lies in its simplicity: we step into the dojo, embrace the boredom, and repetitively execute the technique until it becomes second nature. There’s no need for forced speed or unnecessary strain; we simply focus on the refinement and precision of the movement.
The road to mastery is paved with countless repetitions, devoid of shortcuts or half-hearted attempts. As Clear eloquently stated, “Cut corners, and you’ll only prolong the process.” Instead, embrace the monotonous tasks, for they are the stepping stones to greatness.
This principle extends far beyond martial arts. Whether you aim to elevate your culinary skills, hone your gardening expertise, or excel in your profession, the essence remains the same: relentless practice. Break down the skill into its components, master each element, and then reassemble them into a seamless whole.
Putting it into practice.
To truly embody this concept, I incorporate my targeted skills into my martial arts warm-ups. Twenty minutes of focused footwork before each session translates into nearly two hours of footwork training, eliminating the need for repetitive jumping jacks. This approach serves two purposes: it effectively warms up my body and provides ample opportunities to practice the desired technique.
Of course, the pursuit of mastery is not for everyone. Some find fulfilment in the realm of hobbies, engaging in activities for recreational purposes. And that’s perfectly fine. We all have varying aspirations and goals.
However, if you aspire to reach the pinnacle of your chosen field, be prepared to embrace the boredom, the monotonous repetition that lies at the heart of true excellence. For it is in these moments of unwavering dedication that mastery is forged.
Remember, if you desire greatness in Martial Arts, be prepared to embrace the tedium. May your journey towards mastery be filled with unwavering perseverance and the joy of conquering boredom
Regards
Paul