Since we are in the month of January and keeping with the
tradition of making resolutions for the new year, I thought it timely to offer
some suggestions for goal setting in the dojo that is sure to enhance the
training experience for everyone in the dojo.
“It should be your goal to be the person others desire to
practice with.” --Jigoro Kano
If you are a good practice partner, others will want to
practice with you. What does it take to be the person others wish to partner
with?
- Show up!—You can never replace the time away
from training. When you are gone, your partners suffer as well as you. We need
other bodies to work with, other minds to analyze with, and teammates to
perpetuate growth. Consistent time on the mats is one of the greatest ways to
get a good grasp on the intricacies of Jiu-jitsu.
- Practice good dojo etiquette—Etiquette is about
politeness, safety, and tradition. If you start with good etiquette, you are on
the right path for martial arts success.
- Good hygiene—having a clean uniform, no body
odor, and fresh breath really help make you a more desirable training partner.
- Stick to the curriculum—If the instructor
directs you to work on something, that is the thing you should be working on.
If you decide to improvise, you are preventing yourself and your partner from
fully grasping the nuances of the techniques, tactics, and strategies being
taught. Even if you have done the technique numerous times before, perhaps your partner hasn't. Also, repetition develops muscle memory.
- Be safe—you are in a position of trust. Your
partner essentially is putting their safety and at times even their life in
your care. If you are reckless, you are endangering your partner. No one wants
to practice with someone that is not trustworthy.
- Work ethic—accurate repetition is key to
developing muscle memory. Get in your repetitions in a timely manner allowing
your partner to do the same. If you finish before the rest of the class,
continue to trade repetitions until others are finished. Remember, “It isn’t
the hours you put into your work that counts, but the work you put into the
hours.”
- Learning environment—Remember that the dojo is
not a contest zone, it is a place of enlightenment. You are not in competition
with your training partners. You and your partners depend upon one another to
learn the finite details of Jiu-jitsu. In the dojo, mistakes are an opportunity
to learn.
- Positive attitude—treat the dojo like a
sanctuary. When you bow and step onto the mat, let go of all you outside
troubles and worries. Approach your training with enthusiasm and focus. Your
enthusiasm will be contagious and will encourage a better overall training
environment.
If you take these steps, you will surely be on your way to
another great year of learning and having a great time. Happy New Year!
