Shugyou

"Practice the technique 1,000 times and you may learn 10%." - Hayawo Kiyama, Daito Ryu Shihan

When you read the quote above, what was your first thought? If it was something like "That is crazy. I can learn a technique long before a 1,000 repetitions let alone only 10% of the technique," you should consider two things. First, your approach to learning. Secondly is you may be taking the quote too literally.

Shugyou is the Japanese word for austere training, apprenticeship, and discipline. But, as with many concepts it goes beyond the mere literal translation. Have you learned a new technique and after a class of practice satisfied that you know it? We all fall into this especially as new martial artists. But the longer you train the more you realize there are endless layers to everything. I have often had an aha moment months or even years after learning something when a new piece of the puzzle is discovered.

Shugyou is the mindset that you are always training to become better. You will need a lot of discipline, practice and a bit of patience. You should always be looking for a way to improve your technique. It could be mechanics, timing, speed, mental focus, etc. Do not become complacent or do the minimal amount of work required for your next rank. Always be reaching for a higher level or two levels above your current ability. You will be become a better martial artist then you were yesterday.