6 keys to becoming a high level martial artist

If you’ve ever wondered how high-level martial artists become, well, high-level martial artists? There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to becoming a master of any martial art, but there are a few key elements to keep in mind.

1. Find a Mentor - Having a mentor / Sensei / instructor is key. A mentor is someone who has already achieved the skill level you’d like to reach and can provide invaluable guidance, advice, and support. Make sure to find someone who is passionate about the martial arts, and who has the time and energy to devote to helping you reach your goals.

2. Train Consistently - Consistency is everything when it comes to martial arts!! If you want to a high level of proficiency, you need to make sure to commit to regular training sessions. Aim to attend classes or practise sessions at least three times a week and stay committed to your training schedule. Serious martial artists also practise AND study in their free time outside of class. Study includes BOTH physical and mental: Be sure to put some time into researching more in depth, as well as more broadly around your art. It's about "being about the life". Walking the walk.

3. Learn From Others - Learning from others is key to becoming a high-level martial artist. Observe other practitioners, ask questions, and take notes. You’ll quickly learn new techniques and gain valuable insights into your chosen martial art(s).

4. Practice, Practice, Practice - No matter how talented you are, you won’t reach elite / master level of a martial art without practice. Dedicate yourself to perfecting your techniques and practice as much as you can. The finer details always matter, because they often relate to optimising your bio-mechanics to make your techniques most effective in application.

5. Challenge Yourself - Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself and push your boundaries. Try new techniques and experiment with different styles. This will help you to stay motivated and keep progressing.

6. Have Fun - Don’t forget to have fun! Practicing the martial arts should be enjoyable (some might disagree). If you’re not enjoying yourself, then you’re not going to be motivated to keep training and progressing. This is not to say that you shouldn't be applying the appropriate mindset, aggressive approach and "emotional content" (thank you forever, Sifu Bruce Lee), and learning to switch to it in an instant. (Remember: It's not about anger. "When your temper rises, lower your fists. When your fists rise, lower your temper." Chojun Miyagi.) The "fun" part is to do with your mind being fully engaged; fully immersed, and in a state of flow.

These are some of the secrets to becoming a high-level martial artist. Follow these steps and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master of the martial arts. Good luck, and train well!