What advice would you give?

--amadeus--

Regardless of the level you are at in a particular sport or hobby you generally have something you can offer in teh way of advice, either from experinced to newbie or from beginner to instructor. I thought it might be good to have a thread where all of that accumulated wisdom gets written down

I don't have a huge amount to share but a couple of thoughts... First if you are thinking of starting MA then go to lots of classes as an observer first and talk to teh instructors. Every instructor I have met in MA circles has been enthusiastic and friendly so don't be shy! And teh key (IMO) to sticking at a MA after starting is finding an instructor you like and can relate to. If there is a disconnect between you and the instructor you won't stay in the class. Personally I'd put that relationship as at least as (if not more) important than teh MA style.

The second thing is for senior grades to remember that we all start out as novices. MA involves a certain amount of chest beating and machismo but people immersed in teh club may not twig how that looks to outsiders. I know of one enthusiastic but limited beginner who quit our club after she overheard a pair of black belts sniggering at her. Respect should go both ways!

So what advice would you give?

104494431

Two bits of advice from me:

1. Remember to be patient with yourself, every started out as a greenhorn buck private at some point.

2. Practice makes perfect, if you practice and train regularly you get better.

cletus

1. Leave ego at door
2. No shoes on the mats

Puddleduck

1. Train regularly. The longer you leave off going the more your dying in class

2. Id second the try welcome others, but Id also say to beginners not to exclude yourself from others in the class. Do try to talk.

3. Train seriously. Do it half assed and your going to hurt yourself somewhere along the line.

4. If you have an injury STRAP IT UP. Cant stress this enough. If it hurts or is weak, give it extra support.

5. Be patient, both with others and yourself.

6. When starting out, do observe classes, if possible talk to the instuctor, even better if you could talk to a student or two. Very easy for an instructor to come across as lovely only to be horrible in class. Get a student perspective.

westcoastshuri

I think Cletus hit the nail on the head :"Leave ego at door"

To add my two cents I would say that the more you put in the more you will take away .

Darren

--amadeus--

Puddleduck wrote: »

4. If you have an injury STRAP IT UP. Cant stress this enough. If it hurts or is weak, give it extra support.

Would this be a common view? My attitude has always been to RICE* injuries in case they were aggravated. Better to lose a week resting a small injury than lose a month to a serious one. But I'm a wuss




*Rest / Ice / Compress / Elevate. Obviously depends on teh injury!

Nothingcompares

My advice would be:

Learn BJJ
Drink plenty of water before, during and after a training session.
Have explicit goals, and adapt your training to achieve these goals.
Quit if you don't enjoy it.

Unpossible

Don't get hung up on belt levels and gradings, concentrate on improving your technique/skills and the belts will come. There is nothing worse than being a poor <insert high belt level> because you only concentrated on doing enough to get a belt.

Puddleduck

--amadeus-- wrote: »

Would this be a common view? My attitude has always been to RICE* injuries in case they were aggravated. Better to lose a week resting a small injury than lose a month to a serious one. But I'm a wuss




*Rest / Ice / Compress / Elevate. Obviously depends on teh injury!

Ah of course. If its an injury like a strain or something then yea rest it until its better. I mean more in the case of say weak knees/ankles. Or if you had a previous injury to your back/shoulders wear some kind of support.

Sorry.

Unpossible

Puddleduck wrote: »

Ah of course. If its an injury like a strain or something then yea rest it until its better. I mean more in the case of say weak knees/ankles. Or if you had a previous injury to your back/shoulders wear some kind of support.

Sorry.

Are you sure? I have weak ankles from years of swimming but was told its better to build them up rather than wear a support, as joint will rely on the support too much.

Edit: I'm just asking, not saying you're wrong. Also I think the rule is you should wear wrist supports if you're doing a lot of bag work.

yomchi

Unpossible wrote: »

Don't get hung up on belt levels and gradings, concentrate on improving your technique/skills and the belts will come. There is nothing worse than being a poor <insert high belt level> because you only concentrated on doing enough to get a belt.

Great advice and one i'd agree with. Above all enjoy yourself and ensure your getting good value for money. Always double check the credentials of the instructor as there are many cow boys out there. I'd also say not to be narrow minded in what style you do or don't do. There is something to be gained from 'nearly' every system of martial art. Be open minded and be willing to learn, but above all, enjoy what you do, after all it is only a hobby.

arybvtcw0eolkf

Nothing very deep here...

Wash!..

I'm sick to death of dealing with smelly feckers.

Its simple, wash and iron your gear (and don't be afraid to shower before training either). It say alot about you, and makes training with you a little more pleasent!.

Thats all from me.

yomchi

Mairt wrote: »

Nothing very deep here...

Wash!..

I'm sick to death of dealing with smelly feckers.

Its simple, wash and iron your gear (and don't be afraid to shower before training either). It say alot about you, and makes training with you a little more pleasent!.

Thats all from me.

LOL, thats why I stuck to a striking art, plenty of distance..

--amadeus--

Mairt wrote: »

Nothing very deep here...

Wash!..

I'm sick to death of dealing with smelly feckers.

Its simple, wash and iron your gear (and don't be afraid to shower before training either). It say alot about you, and makes training with you a little more pleasent!.

Thats all from me.

Hmm I've been running to training recently (not far, 3 - 3.5 miles max) but there are no showers there so maybe that's why I'm getting the funny looks :P

arybvtcw0eolkf

--amadeus-- wrote: »

Hmm I've been running to training recently (not far, 3 - 3.5 miles max) but there are no showers there so maybe that's why I'm getting the funny looks :P

Thats all very well, its not stale sweat.

But I think we've all experienced training partners who stink night after night, or who couldn't bother to wash their gear or even cut their damned nails down..

Its just something that really wobbles my tits.

Unpossible

westcoastshuri wrote: »

I think Cletus hit the nail on the head :"Leave ego at door"

I think this works for selfdefence too, I've avoided fights by taking the hit to the ego instead of the face.

j walsh

--amadeus-- wrote: »

Would this be a common view? My attitude has always been to RICE* injuries in case they were aggravated. Better to lose a week resting a small injury than lose a month to a serious one. But I'm a wuss




*Rest / Ice / Compress / Elevate. Obviously depends on teh injury!

Well said, always rest strains, injuries or if you've just started an MA and your finding a body part weak, maybe change to a different MA and see if it improves.
My tips would be when you've chosen a MA check out if there's a couple in your area that you could have a look both at and see how friendly the instructors and students are in both places, compare attitudes and skills.
Then when you pick one make sure you know you really like it and are going to stick with before buying any equipment and when you do buy, as much as you can afford it buy the best quality because it will last you along time.

TKD SC

- Get into a routine and try to stick to it as much as possible.

- If you don't feel in the mood for going training, make yourself go, get off the couch and make yourself go - you'll love it when you get there and feel much better for having gone.

arybvtcw0eolkf

TKD SC wrote: »

- Get into a routine and try to stick to it as much as possible.

- If you don't feel in the mood for going training, make yourself go, get off the couch and make yourself go - you'll love it when you get there and feel much better for having gone.

Thats actually very good advice.

I tell people all the time 'be selfish with your training time', 'its YOUR time'.

Even when I'm injured or unwell I try to get up to the clubs and sit through a session, otherwise you risk something slipping into that time and its very hard to draw that back.

.

Pride Fighter

Keep your friends close, your enemies closer.

j walsh

Come now this is a decent thread lets not ruin it.

cowzerp

Train hard and dont waste time on pointless techniques that dont work.

Push Yourself

Baggio...

Train honestly...

Satan Polaroid

We all make them, so DO NOT let mistakes get you down.

Treat every mistake as a learning experience.

BobbyOLeary

Make sure you're enjoying yourself. This is probably the most important thing. If you're not enjoying what you're doing you won't give it your all, and there's not much point doing something unless you give it socks.

dont waste time on pointless techniques that dont work.

Thats a matter of opinion Paul, not everyone is training to fight in a ring or a cage, some people are just training to enjoy themselves regardless of their training methods efficiency.

Clive

• Don't take it too seriously
• If it's not fun, then why are you doing it?
• You could probably use more cardio
• Don't go training if you don't want to
• In 100 years, you and everyone you love will be dead. Everything you've done will be forgotten, everything you created turned to dust. Accept that. Now are you really so bothered about a trifling martial arts tournament?
• Become a good training partner, and keep your good training partners happy. Maybe buy them a steak?
• Wherever possible, try to stay on good terms with people, even if they are assholes.
• Move your hips

TomRooney

Mairt wrote: »

Thats all very well, its not stale sweat.

But I think we've all experienced training partners who stink night after night, or who couldn't bother to wash their gear or even cut their damned nails down..

Its just something that really wobbles my tits.

i would have to agree, we can all have an off night or whatever, but there are some serious issues in regards hygiene, i think clubs should maybe have a hygiene charter hanging up explaining the possible nasty skin infections that are easily contracted, such as MRSA and other nasties i believe education is the key.

i found this article some may find it interesting,

One of the most common diseases lurking in gyms is tinea pedis or athlete's foot (i.e., a fungal skin infection). Its symptoms include cracked, blistered skin along with an itching or burning sensation. Onychomycosis is another infectious fungal disease hiding on shower and locker room floors. Its symptoms include yellow, brittle toe- and fingernails. Both of these diseases can be treated with over-the-counter medications, but for persistent infections you may need to consult a dermatologist.
The human papillomavirus (i.e., the virus that causes plantar warts) is another disease-causing organism commonly found in health clubs. These warts appear alone or in clusters on the bottom of the feet. Even in a seemingly immaculate gym, these organisms can dwell in unexpected places. "The most common place people pick up warts and athlete's foot is in the locker room. It doesn't matter if it has a carpeted or tile floor. The second place is in shower stalls. Another place most people don't suspect is alongside indoor pools, but a lot of foot fungus is found there," Adams says.
Being careful while changing or showering can easily prevent most of these diseases. "When I go to the gym, not for one minute does my foot hit the ground barefoot," says Adams. "Always keep a barrier between you and the floor. Even a brisk walk between the locker and shower stall can allow foot fungus to take hold."
The following are other ways to avoid fungi and viruses from invading your feet.
* Wear flip-flops in the shower.
* Wash and dry your feet thoroughly.
* Use antifungal powder in your shoes.
* Wear synthetic socks.
* Change your socks often, since sweaty socks are a prime breeding ground for fungi.
* Change out of your gym shoes after exercising and wash them occasionally in the hot water cycle.
Since fungal infections can spread, don't dry sensitive areas, such as your underarms, with a towel used on your feet or dropped on the locker room floor. "Be especially careful if you have breaks in the skin," Adams suggests. "Cuts are the perfect opportunity for microorganisms to make their way into the skin. Even microscopic cracks you can't see can be an entry point." If you cut yourself or otherwise cause a break in the skin while at the gym, clean the open wound with an iodine antibacterial solution and cover it securely before continuing your workout.
Outside the Locker Room
You also need to be vigilant about avoiding disease outside the locker room. The treadmill or weights you are about to use could have been infected by someone with a cold or worse.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a bacteria called methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was recently found in recreational athletes. Although, MRSA is a version of the common staph bacteria, it is resistant to the methicillin antibiotic, which makes it especially hard to treat. While "normal" staphylococcus aureus is a microbial skin infection easily treated with antibiotics, MRSA is more difficult to treat and can infect the blood and bones--a potentially life threatening complication. MRSA's antibiotic resistance also makes it more likely to spread, since the normal course of treatment does not eliminate it and the infected person remains a carrier. The CDC cites close physical contact and equipment sharing as reasons for outbreaks. Researchers have also found E. coli, strep-bacteria and the influenza virus in gyms and on athletic equipment.
The easiest way to protect yourself is by wiping equipment before use. Gyms usually provide disinfectant spray, but some people prefer to carry their own wipes. Always use a towel to cover the seat of your exercise bike and bench in the locker room. When you're done with your workout, don't forget to clean your water bottle in order to prevent bacterial buildup there, too.
To prevent spreading disease to others, avoid exercising at the gym when you're sick. Although conventional wisdom says you can work out if your symptoms are above the neck, keep in mind you may expose others. Consider exercising at home when you feel under the weather and avoid having your own germs passed back when your workout partner comes to the gym sick with the cold you gave him or her.
With a little bit of care, even the worst of these diseases can be treated or avoided, allowing you to enjoy your workout without worrying about bringing anything but a healthier body home.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0675/is_6_22/ai_n7578582

paxo

Go hard or go home

Black Swan

Be life long learning students of MA, no matter your grade or title.

Martin25

Seek out high quality Instructors who have a direct lineage to Bruce Lee and still remain true to his teachings..

Check that your Instructor is truely legitimate as there are many frauds who just want to take your money.
If someone has a certificate from a fraud what does that make them? What does that make you if you go with them?

Avoid braggarts and bullies and do not become one yourself.


Keep your ego in check.

Train hard and train smart.

When attacked on the street hit first, hit fast and very hard!

Don’t hang around for a post mortem as it could be your’s.

Martin25

Marine Corps Rules:
1. Be courteous to everyone, friendly to no one.
2. Decide to be aggressive enough, quickly enough.
3. Have a plan.
4. Have a back-up plan, because the first one probably won't work.
5. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet * even your friends…
6. Do not attend a gunfight with a handgun whose caliber does not start with a "4."
7. Anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice. Ammo is cheap. Life is expensive.
8. Move away from your attacker. Distance is your friend. (Lateral & diagonal preferred.)
9. Use cover or concealment as much as possible.
10. Flank your adversary when possible. Protect yours.
11. Always cheat; always win. The only unfair fight is the one you lose.
12. In ten years nobody will remember the details of caliber, stance, or tactics. They will only remember who lived.
13. If you are not shooting, you should be communicating your intention to shoot.


Navy SEAL's Rules:
1. Look very cool in sunglasses.
2. Kill every living thing within view.
3. Adjust speedo.
4. Check hair in mirror.


US Army Rangers Rules:
1. Walk in 50 miles wearing 75 pound rucksack while starving.
2. Locate individuals requiring killing.
3. Request permission via radio from "Higher" to perform killing.
4. Curse bitterly when mission is aborted.
5. Walk out 50 miles wearing a 75 pound rucksack while starving.


US Army Rules:
1. Curse bitterly when receiving operational order.
2. Make sure there is extra ammo and extra coffee.
3. Curse bitterly.
4. Curse bitterly.
5. Do not listen to 2nd LT's; it can get you killed.
6. Curse bitterly.


US Air Force Rules:
1. Have a cocktail.
2. Adjust temperature on air-conditioner.
3. See what's on HBO.
4. Ask "what is a gunfight?"
5. Request more funding from Congress with a "killer" Power Point presentation.
6. Wine & dine 'key' Congressmen, invite DOD & defense industry executives.
7. Receive funding, set up new command and assemble assets.
8. Declare the assets "strategic" and never deploy them operationally.
9. Hurry to make 13:45 tee-time.
10. Make sure the base is as far as possible from the conflict but close enough to have tax exemption.


US Navy Rules:
1. Go to Sea.
2. Drink Coffee.
3. Deploy Marines

Charlie3dan

Clive wrote: »

• Don't go training if you don't want to

I'd be more inclined to agree with TKD SC, "Make yourself go".

-Never stop practicing, studying and learning.
-(this one is stolen but I can't phrase it any better) Know yourself first and then others.
-Set yourself goals. Of course there will be setbacks along the way but they are a test of your character. Don't quit.

Martin25

Treat people with respect.
Don't beat up beginners or bully them.
Don't be an asshole.
Do some hard sparring against worthy opponents.
Train frequently and like an "animal".

arybvtcw0eolkf

This is a good thread, gets people thinking.

This isn't directly related to Martial Arts, but its a good tip all the same (IMO), it was drummed into me years ago whilst on a course in work (Defence Forces).

I'm just back from a cycle & jog and thinking about this thread, I thought I'd pass this one along.

DON'T SPIT! - your spitting your fuel away!!

Just thought I'd pass that one along.

.

tallaght01

People will always have opinions about your style/your instructor/your school.

Ignore them, and do what you enjoy doing.

No MA is perfect for "The street".

But, if you train hard, you'll become strong and fast. Regardless of what MA you train in, if you clatter someone hard and at speed you have a decent chance of gettin out of an attack with your nuts in one piece.

ALWAYS wear your groin guard

Unpossible

I like these two quotes, even though one is made by a fictional character in a movie

Its not about how hard you can hit, its about how hard you can get hit and still keep moving forward how much you can take and keep moving forward. Thats what makes winners - Rocky

martial arts are what you search for at the risk of your whole life - Heilo Gracie

whitetigerkungf

dont make fun of other arts, they all have something to offer.

dont get caught up in the internal politics of your own art, it has nothing to do with your martial style its just to satisfy egos of others.

mickmac

Do something outside of class that makes you better able to learn in class.

Run, skip, do press-ups, whatever. I always found it harder to concentrate on remembering what I was being taught when my body was shouting "JESUS I'M KNACKERED" at me.

I started getting more out of my classes when I started doing a little extra homework.

Aodan83

"A belt holds up your pants, you do the rest"
I think it was dlofnep posted that in another thread. Good advice.

Andrew H

My advice would be:

Don't fear the man that knows a thousand techniques. Fear the man that has praticed one technique a thousand times.