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Jack Of All Trades!

These days lots of parents want their kids to do lots of different activities, sports etc. That’s fine but there should be a time when they start to specialize and focus on one area. This will allow them to progress and get much better and attain a higher level particularly in competition.

Doing lots of different sports all the time does not allow them to be specific so they will not be able to reach the levels of other children who are specific to their chosen sport.

Sport is about being competitive and striving to be the best. Yes, its ok for you to say its taking part that counts but is winning not important? Are we developing a loosing mentality by saying that?

If we want to succeed and be really good at something we must immerse our selves into it, dipping in and out, coming to class once a week or whenever you feel like it is not good enough, not by far!

Why be the jack of all trades when you could be the master of one?

Over the years I’ve seen a lot of kid’s competition and the ones who come out on top are the ones who are consistent at what they do, their training, their approach, their parents understand what’s needed to become a top competitor, to rise above the rest!

If you just say well they do one sport one day, another the next and so on that’s where it will remain. Specialization is the key. I’m not saying give up everything, I’m saying be more specific in your chosen area. Give it a good chance by going more, training and learning more and develop your sport.

Keith Gilliland

Chief Instructor & Founder

Gilliland Martial Arts & Fitness Academy

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Ok let’s look at a few questions you should ask yourself before going to a class.

What do I want from it?

Do you want fitness, self-defence, sport, competition, to earn a Black Belt???

Some classes focus on just the sport side and competition training whilst others concentrate on self-defence. Some classes have sparring, some have weapons training.

It’s a good idea to take a look at what the school / club teaches in the way of classes and their content. Do not think they are all the same.

Another important factor to consider is who is teaching the classes, what is their background, how long have they been practicing and teaching Martial Arts.

There should be a structured progressive learning program in place with regular gradings so the student can progress through the ranks towards Black Belt and beyond.

Goal achievements are a positive experience and create confidence and a feeling of accomplishment.

A class that is right for you will also be fun, you will enjoy going and meeting new friends is also a bonus.

Martial Arts training and learning can open up a whole new world for you. You can train for the fun of it, maybe to become a competitor, even one day an Instructor and pass on your skills!

Chief Instructor

Keith Gilliland

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Martial Arts – Training And Learning.

Regular grading exams for belts is a very important aspect of Martial Arts training and learning.

The key word here is “learning”

Unlike a lot of other sports Martial Arts requires a lot of learning. New techniques should be taught in a progressive structured manner so the student works their way through the various ranks towards Black Belt and beyond!

A lot of people want to begin Martial Arts but not because they are looking to learn but are looking for fitness training, to get fit or keep fit. This is of course fine but they are not looking at the bigger picture.

Proper Martial Arts training requires a good amount of; time, consistency, dedication, a will to succeed, patience among others. It in return gives the student massive returns like; confidence, feeling good, a sense of achievement, new friends, to name a few.

Martial Arts gives you the opportunity to begin a journey (sounds corny but true!).

So, going back to my opening line about belt testing, gradings. When you begin your Martial Arts classes, you should be looking at earning your first belt in around 2 – 3 months. You will be required to demonstrate what you’ve learned in that period.

When you earn your new grade, belt it is a great feeling of achievement and the first of many conquests on your Martial Arts training and learning experience.

Oh, and yes you will be fitter, stronger, more confident and a whole new world will open up for you!

Its up to you to take the first step and get into your first class, or if you used to participate get yourself back in there, the classes are waiting!!

Learn – Practice – Evolve

Keith Gilliland

Chief Instructor & Founder

Gilliland Martial Arts & Fitness Academy