Happy New Years Everyone!
With the New Year comes an opportunity for a New Year’s resolution. What should a taekwondo student make their New Year’s resolution?
Well, here are some suggestions for good New Years Resolutions (that are taekwondo themed!)
Join a couple tournaments!
If you’re not competing you are missing out. It’s understandable to be nervous, but don’t let the nervousness get in the way of your training! Tournaments are a popular part of the taekwondo world. Not only are they fun to join in, they are also a great training opportunity. They also make it possible to meet other martial artists and see them preform. You’d be surprised how much you learn just by watching your fellow athletes.
Do those push ups!
Get down lower and do more of them! Get that number up! Sure, I know they’re miserable to start but in the long run they are totally worth it. They work so many different muscles. As an extra bonus, they make it way easier if your instructor decides you should do 15 push ups. It also extends to board breaks, endurance tests, tournaments, and at-home chores. Push-ups are your best (and sometimes worst) friend!
Make a better hook/back/flying side kick (or really any technique)
Let’s be honest: Every black belt has their weakness. Why not use the New Year as an opportunity to fix it? Pick anything you are struggling with and work on it. If you don’t know where you are struggling, ask your instructor. Any good instructor has feedback for their students. If you think you don’t have any struggles or techniques, you are lying to yourself. Everyone is learning something. Everyone.
Go to class more regularly!
Where on earth have you been? What in the world are you paying them for if you aren’t participating in class? I know it takes some time out of your day, but exercise is good for you! Don’t hurt yourself and avoid it! What are you doing? Finish reading this article, hitch a ride, and go to class!
Read. A. Book.
I’ve written about this a few times. Reading books is an important part of every black belt’s education. If you don’t believe me, check out my posts on books. There are many good options. There are many books about taekwondo and many that aren’t about taekwondo specifically (but are still very useful!). Are there martial artists that don’t read? Of course! In my experience though, they are missing out on some critical information. Some of the best martial artists I know, are also some of the most well read people I know. Here are two books that these martial artists read!
Meditate
The research is clear. Meditation is really helpful! Some people say it seems silly, but I’ve found that it really helps me out. Plus, there is so much variety to it. People have been meditating for millennia, and they’ve been writing about it for millennia too. It’s worth trying to make a part of your life.
Become a Black Belt
What? Did you think I wouldn’t mention the greatest achievement a martial artist can make? This post is about New Years Resolutions! If you ask me, or really any instructor, becoming a black belt is a pretty solid resolution. Already a black belt? Well then focus on getting your next one. Sure it’s challenging, but it would be a whole lot less fun if it weren’t (in my opinion).
Learn a New Stunt!
Are you on the demonstration team at your school? Do you want to be? It never hurts to learn a new stunt. People love it when you show them a trick you can do. You’d be surprised with the number of people that are impressed by a triple roundhouse kick! To be fair, they are pretty cool!
There you go! I hope these 8 hypothetical New Years resolutions have inspired you. Maybe you’ve even come up with your own! The best way to finish your martial arts resolutions is to go to class and practice regularly. That’s what class is for after all. You can do it! I believe in you!
Happy New Year!
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