Make it real!

Our students have heard me say, "Make it real!" during training time. What do I mean by this? Obviously, we can only make our training real up to a point, in order to stay safe from injury. It is important that we train hard and train smart.

If we don't train hard, we will never be able to fight hard, should we need to defend ourselves.

If we don't train smart, we will never be able to fight smart, should we need to defend ourselves. Furthermore, if we don't train smart, we might end up plagued with injuries that interfere with training.

There are, of course, numerous other benefits of training hard and training smart. Our students gain focus, control, and discipline. They become more fit as they train harder. They gain the self-confidence that comes from being involved in a worthwhile activity that is rebuilding them from the inside out and the outside in.

Sometimes training hard can become discouraging or even a bit scary. There are days when you just don't feel like getting hot and sweaty. There are days when you just don't feel like being hit or being thrown to the mat. It is important to persevere in the face of that, no matter what. The same grit and determination that it takes to keep going when you feel like quitting is what you will need, God forbid, should you ever be attacked.

Training hard will toughen you up. It will prepare you for life. It is the best use of your time and efforts.

So, when you practice, make it real. Don't let laziness and self-consciousness get in your way. Give it your best effort. Focus every technique. Be intense. Make every technique as powerful as you can. Be a good training partner: control your techniques, but make them effective. Don't be afraid of a few aches, bangs and bruises. Train hard. Train smart.