301. Training in the Martial Arts

When you train in a martial art, you will be on average, 30% faster than an untrained combatant. No matter how much bigger, hairier, uglier or smellier than you your opponent is, all that he has is a pair of arms and a pair of legs that are no different from your own. There is a limited number of ways these can be used against you. When you contact them, remember that and stick to them and destroy them rapidly.

There are 3 aspects of training in the Martial Arts. You should strive to develop each aspect evenly. These are 1. Strength. 2. Skill (Technique). and 3. Speed. If you have any 2 of these aspects you will beat an opponent who has only the other one. e.g. speed + skill will always overcome strength on its own.

276. Work on Yourself First.

Whatever you do or achieve, your success comes from within. Work, therefore on yourself first. You have just achieved your second Martial Arts Blue Belt. You did well on the night of your grading but the real work was done in class and at training. This was the work on yourself, learning the technique, doing the pad-work, practicing for speed and fluidity, doing the press-ups and sit ups to give you the strength and flexibility to be competent. This is work on yourself.