Why is a full effort important?

After all, we’ll do thousands of punches and kicks this year. We’ll practice kihon kata #1 hundreds of times.

What difference does it make if someone “coasts” through a workout?

Well, it makes all the difference.

I’ll be the first to admit that it’s impossible to put in 100% for every punch, kick and kata at every class. But it does make a difference if you try.

First, you’ll get out of karate what you put into it. If you try harder and work harder, you’ll simply get better. And you’ll enjoy it more.

Second, you’ll generally advance more quickly, especially at green belt and beyond. We will advance someone through orange belt without a full effort. After green belt, a half effort will likely double the time it takes you to get to your next belt.

And, as some of our students will tell you, if you don’t put in a full effort at shodan-ho, you will never be sent for your black belt ranking.

So put in a full effort. It’s only 1-1/2 hours three times a week. You’ll have more fun. We’ll have more fun teaching you. And everyone around you will also benefit.

Believe it or not, both laziness and hard work are contagious.

Tags: Effort, karate skills