Did you get on a bicycle the first time and ride off into the sunset? Did you pick up that baseball bat and hit your first curveball out of the park? Did you bake that first cake from scratch and then actually like the taste of it?…

My guess would be “No” to all of the above questions. I mention these things partly in jest as an example that in life you have to learn how to do just about everything. Martial arts is no different. In order to get better any any task or skill practice is a must.  In order to be better than your opponent you need to practice more they they do.

In my classes I cannot expect my students to train 8 hours a day. I don’t have that kind of extra time either. But I expect my students to practice as much as possible given their current situation.  Try that new technique in a mirror before work or school. Try that kata before bed time once or twice or fifteen times. Every minute you spend practicing is one where you are learning.

The more you practice the more skilled you will become. I can promise you that.

Sensei Scott