Martial arts is an awesome vehicle to prepare yourself; physically, mentally and emotionally.
This can apply equally to adults and children, as we all have busy lives, with different pressures and demands.
So, how do we go about; ‘getting in the zone’, to be open to learning and delivering our very best performance, while feeling positive and happy.
Let’s look at using aspects of martial arts as an excellent example to relate to.
It’s most likely that when you consider martial arts, you may instantly think of the physical aspect, whether that’s; fighting, defending, or even leaping, ‘ninja style’, into the air. However, there are many varied martial art forms, originating from many different countries.
For example; Tai Chai is a martial art and yet it appears to present a very different approach and style to an activity, such as Kickboxing.
In order to consider how we get in the zone, and ready ourselves, lets walk through the mindset we may experience in getting ourselves prepared to attend a martial arts training session.
This is written from the perspective of a child who is feeling like they have completed a very long day at school, feeling tired. It is entirely possible they are saying to themselves………..
‘I’m not really feeling it today’.
However, they have a martial arts class that evening, so how might that mindset play out.
It may all start at home, when the student puts on their uniform, and asks themselves– ‘am I ready’. They may well be practically ready , with uniform and their equipment bag, but are they in the zone.
Next comes the travel journey to their dojo for training. Are they yet starting to think about what will take place later, or are their thoughts on a completely different topic area? Are they still dwelling on the tiredness they were feeling earlier?
Arriving at the dojo, and about to step inside and onto the mat, is their mind now recognising the routine and discipline of their training. Having travelled all the way there, then surely, they have committed, but are they ready, and are they yet in the zone to deliver their very best.
Next comes the warmup exercise, and getting the body physically prepared for the class. Is it possible to be physically warmed up but mentally still wondering if they are yet – in the zone.
Yes, absolutely this can be the case, however a well conducted warm up can raise both physical and mental energy, often using a fun element, or a light competitive edge with fellow students. I really believe that the warmup can set the tone, and mind set, for the training session.
It’s now time for a sparring session. The student is by now reflecting on whether they are ready, as they put on their sparring gloves. Their training and instinct will be important, and this is so much more than physical readiness. It’s also important to have control when training, so the mindset and emotional readiness is key, to ensure a safe training environment.
So, as our student looks across, and it’s time to face their sparring opponent – are they ready.
They are required to bow to their opponent, to show courtesy, and then bow to the instructor, showing respect. Courtesy and Respect are two fundamental characteristics in martial arts. They require a maturity and state of readiness if they are to be delivered with meaning and commitment.
Now, the elements of readiness are starting to come together. The student steps into their guard position, feet planted and legs strong. Within their gloved hand, they make a strong fist, left hand first, then followed by their right hand.
They bring their hands into a defensive guard and consider, do they feel protected. They hold eye contact with their opponent and show a warrior face, determined and ready. They briefly reflect on their training, and the things they have been learning in recent weeks.
For a moment they reflect on the many hours of practice, they have put in at home.
The student takes a deep breath , maintaining control and focus and then relaxes body, legs and feet. They are now feeling light, shoulders are relaxed, mind is clear, adrenalin is building.
In that precise moment, if they were to be asked – are you ready, what might they say in response. It’s highly likely they are now ready to allow instinct and muscle memory to guide them, using their many hours of training.
Both students raise their gloved hands and touch-gloves, to signify they are ‘READY’.
They spar for around 10minutes. Their sparring session is a success, performing at their very best, with commitment, energy, motivation, confidence, perseverance, positivity and an indomitable spirit.
The session comes to an end. How does our student now feel?
Our student bows respectfully, maintaining eye contact with Instructor and opponent.
It is hoped that as they prepare to step off the mats, they catch their own reflection in the large mirror on the wall of the dojo – do they feel positive about what they see.
Did their preparation enable them to feel physically, mentally and emotionally ready for their session? Did they allow the energy in the room, their training, the support from Instructors, to build their own positivity and to acknowledge that they stepped over the line into a new chapter of their martial arts journey?
Were they ‘in the zone’ – were they ready………? YES, they absolutely were.
‘Seek to be the very best version of yourself, through practice, preparation and belief.
Focus on your training, challenge yourself, allow yourself to embrace moments of doubt.
Use those around you for support and guidance.’
And, when the time comes, you will be ready, and you will ‘move into the zone’.
I really hope you enjoyed reading this, and that you can see the positive benefits, and development opportunities, through martial arts.
Gary Root
Ashby and Coalville Martial Arts
