WHY TRAIN HARD?
Fight like you train. If you train hard all the time with everything you have, then that’s the way you will fight. But If you just go through the movements with out any commitment, or just put part of your heart into the techniques, this will be just like not training at all.
Fighting is more mind than body. If you don’t want to fight or you are too scared to fight, it doesn’t matter how good your technique is or how strong your body is, it just won’t work. Karate or fighting is meant to be done with all of your speed, power, and concentration. That’s why training with basics is important. Repetition is what makes your techniques work.
When you hold back or wait too long to throw a punch or kick, you will lose the fight. You have to believe in your training and yourself. That is the main idea with hard training, it lets you know what you can or can’t do. Hard training builds the confidence to step in when necessary. Knowing what you can do keeps the mind calm enough to react and counter.
Karate will work if you let it. Don’t over think, prepare and the techniques will come out. Remember to react to what your opponent is doing. Don’t just throw your favorite technique.
Here is an excerpt from the book the Bubishi:
When forced to fight, theory and technique are the same: victory depends upon who is better prepared. When engaging the adversary, respond instinctively. Movement must be fast and materialize without thought. Never underestimate your opponent and be careful not to waste energy on unnecessary movements.
“The WAY is in training” (Musashi)
“Mastery of karate does not depend on the learner’s physical constitution, but mainly on constant practice.” (Chibana)
“The more you sweat in the dojo the less you bleed in the street.”(unknown)
“Hard work will beat talent all the time.”(V.L.)
“Pain doesn’t last
Bones heal
Chicks dig scars”
(I.E.)
Karate doesn’t change you, it reveals who you are. And the way to find out who you are is in your training.
See you in the dojo