Getting out of a Martial Arts Training Slump

May 31
05:58

2012

jaredlil

jaredlil

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Many experienced martial arts practitioners reach a point in their training where they don't see any improvements or feel like the current methods their implementing are no longer working. When this takes place, it's a signal for us to mix up the training regimen and begin to approach training from a different perspective.

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Many experienced martial arts practitioners reach a point in their training where they don't see any improvements or feel like the current methods their implementing are no longer working. The efficiency of your body to adapt to the regular training methods is to blame for the plateaus that happen.

When this takes place,Getting out of a Martial Arts Training Slump Articles it's a signal for us to mix up the training regimen and begin to approach training from a different perspective. To surpass existing and impending plateaus, we need to make minor adaptations to move forward and bring on progress.

Switch up the program

Implementing a new approach in training will stimulate the body and mind to adjust and conform to the new changes taking place. If you are more dexterous with your right side (70–90% of the world population is right-handed), take a new approach and do most of your training with your left side.

Starting from a disadvantaged position is a great way to diversify a normal training pattern. A student in a striking discipline might want to begin cornered against the ropes and have to fight his/her way out to the center of the cage. If you are a grappling discipline, begin in a less favorable position and work on your counters and escapes.

Goals and Challenges

Setting your sites on a single objective will speed up the process while maintain clarity and focus. Taking on a personal challenge will make you work harder than you normally would and force you to think and act differently to achieve it. Goals are achievable whereas to fulfill a challenge may take many tries if it is reached at all.

Some examples of goals would be: knowing the detailed particulars of a certain position, drilling a technique for a large sum of repetitions, or just getting more time in training. The primary goal for students in many martial arts disciplines is to reach the rank of black belt. Setting out on a challenge could entail ranking #1 in competition, or instructing an individual to the black belt rank. A good challenge is a sure-fire way to bust through a training plateau.

Go Back to Fundamental Techniques

Trying to learn too many movements and details in a short period of time will cause confusion and hamper progression. Produce muscle memory from drilling techniques and become fluid in execution and transition. Once you are adept at the position or move, add on a few new techniques and you will find it less confusing.

During sparring, work on positional training to focus on the details of a set area of skills. Time out the positions at 2-3 minutes intervals and focus on controlling that one position, whether it be standing, on the ground, or against the cage. Figuring out the details to a position will give you the options to counter or control an opponent's move.

Stop training plateaus from thwarting or slowing down your progress. Changing up an established routine on a regular basis will prevent the body from adapting and help to keep your mind engaged and active. Don't feel like your only option to get out of a rut is to take a break from training, get focused and with a little creativity you'll get back on track.