Anyone who has dabbled in any form of martial arts training will agree that the road to lifelong training is filled with bumps, hurdles and potholes. Despite all these barriers, the benefits outweigh the cons and everyone - adults and children - should learn martial arts. Martial arts is so complex that even seasoned practitioners make mistakes every now and then. Martial arts is non binary nor it is straight forward. It is okay to make mistakes but the key is to keep training and to keep progressing. The goal is to get one percent better each day. Here are five mistakes that beginners make while training martial arts and how to avoid them.
It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Martial arts is a lifelong journey. If done correctly, a martial arts practitioner can start training at 4 years old and keep training well into their sixties and seventies. At FaMA - Fitness and Martial Arts, there are several members who are well into their retirement but that does not stop them from training on a regular basis. However, most beginners look for instant gratification and get disappointed when they do not get it. Just like how we have to learn how to crawl before we walk and learn to walk before we run, martial arts is a journey. Don’t be disheartened when it feels like you are not making progress. The key is to keep showing up. Be patient and the results will come.
R&R
Recovery is something that if often overlooked by those starting martial arts. Whether you are in your twenties or in your fifties, recovery is as important as training martial arts. As a beginner, it is wise to invest in recovery early to avoid any injuries. The sooner one starts post training stretching, eating clean, taking ice baths, and foam rolling, the faster one can develop good habits. As a beginner, developing good recovery habits can go a long way. Do not overlook the need to recover even if you have only been training for a few months. Start from day one.
Lack of Keeping Track
Most beginners assume that they will be able to remember everything that they are taught in class. Here’s a pro tip: You won’t. Keep track of training by keeping a journal from day one. This will not only become an encyclopedia of your training but it will also help you see how far you have come. By keeping a training log, you can also track how often you train and keep yourself accountable. There are many ways to keep track of training like the old reliable pen and paper. There are many notebooks that can be easily converted into a training journal but if you are tech savvy, there are apps out there that can help you keep training details. Filming training sessions can also help with self study.
Where’s Your Basics?
There are many flashy techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Muay Thai. The berimbolo is amazing to watch and perform, so is the flying knee. However, the experts who perform these at a high level did not start by doing them. They are able to do these fancy moves because they have a strong understanding of the fundamentals. Beginners should focus on developing their basics. Once you are able to perform your basics without any hiccups, you can start to try advance techniques.
Ronin Habits
In ancient Japan, a samurai without a master was known as a ronin. A ronin does not serve or train with anyone in particular. Although we live in the information age and FaMA - Fitness and Martial Arts highly encourage students to train at other gyms, beginners make the mistake of training with several different instructors from the very start. They believe this will give them an edge. It will only create confusion. There are many different ways to finish an armbar and there are various ways to throw a knee. Build a strong foundation under one instructor before venturing out to learn from others.
FaMA - Fitness and Martial Arts Established in 2016, FaMA is a world-class martial arts training facility located in the heart of the Central Business District in Singapore. Walking distance from the Clarke Quay MRT station, FaMA’s main goal is to help people improve their lives through martial arts regardless of age or athletic capability. Each program is led by experts in their respective fields. Whether it is weight loss, a fun workout, camaraderie, competition training, or just to break a sweat, FaMA has something for everyone.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai, or The Art of Eight Limbs, is a martial art developed in Thailand thousands of years ago to help the Kingdom protect itself against invaders. Using the human body as a weapon, Muay Thai practitioners are well-versed in punching, elbowing, kicking, kneeing, and clinching with their opponents. What was once only used for self-defence and protection of the Kingdom, Muay Thai has grown to become one of the most popular sports not only in Thailand but in the world. Muay Thai is known to provide a complete total-body workout that will help build lean muscle, core strength, and help with weight loss. At FaMA, Muay Thai classes are taught daily by Tanaphong Khunhankaew, or better known as Kru Ping, and Kru Jerel Louie.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or BJJ as it is commonly known around the world, is a self-defence martial art that enables a smaller, weaker person to protect themselves against a much larger attacker using leverage and pressure. Formed from Kodokan Judo in Japan, Jiu Jitsu found its way to Brazil in the 1910s through Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese judoka and no-holds-barred prize fighter. During his time in Brazil, Maeda accepted a young Carlos Gracie as his student. Carlos would later pass on his knowledge to his brothers, most notably Helio Gracie - the father of modern Brazilian Jiujitsu. The Gracie family would go on to spread BJJ through The Gracie Challenge and eventually the creation of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Today, BJJ has grown to be more than just an effective unarmed fighting system. It helps young children deal with bullies and adults live a healthy lifestyle. BJJ classes are offered daily at FaMA under the tutelage of Black Belts Zoro Moreira, Robyn Goudy and Thiago Gaspary.
FaMA Fit
An all-in-one fitness class suitable for everyone, FaMA Fit incorporates moves from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing and Kickboxing together with functional training to help develop flexibility, mobility, strength, balance, and stamina. For beginners who are just starting out, the FaMA Fit Fundamentals class is an entry-level program that will work the entire body. FaMA Fit and FaMA Fit Fundamentals classes are run by professional athlete Coach Kirstie Gannaway.
Kids Martial Arts
Our Kids Martial Arts classes offer a choice of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and/or Muay Thai programmes which have been specially designed for Children of all skills levels. Several studies have suggested that Children who participate in a sport experience positive development in their self-esteem and confidence, which supports our belief that the skills Children learn through our Martial Arts programmes here in Singapore will benefit them beyond their time in the academy.