Focus your Training to Achieve the Best Results

I read an article way back in July 1999 in Black Belt magazine called "Four Focuses of Martial Arts." Since then the four focuses have become five:

1.    Self defense/professional use of force
2.    Tradition/physical art/self-discipline
3.    Spiritual/health
4.    Sport/tournament
5.    Demonstration

Some of you were probably not even aware of such diversification in martial arts. Most assume that every martial art and dojo is basically the same, just teaching different variations of the same techniques.

The reality is this, demonstration martial arts will most likely not work in a self-defense scenario. And the same goes for sport and tournament fighting. It is important that we realize the differences are important and each focus has its valid place in the martial arts. We don’t hold someone else’s style inadequate simply because their focus is not what Kaju AZ focuses on.

First and forever foremost, Kaju AZ is focused on self defense. Our training and techniques are designed to maximize our defense efforts. This will always be our school’s primary focus. We have some tradition, and some sport, and even  little demonstration thrown in for variety. We accept that we may not always be the best in those other areas, but that’s honestly okay, - that’s not our focus.


It’s appropriate that last month’s Powerful Word was focus. What you focus on in life and in martial arts, becomes clearer, more defined, more definite.  Focus by its nature can be exclusive. What I focus on will become the priority, thus everything else becomes less clear or less definite during that time. If I focus my training on proper technique, my technique will become improved. But if, at the same time, I take my focus away from my cardio, my cardio might suffer a slight dip for as long as I don’t focus on that aspect.
That’s where balance comes into play. Try to use it to help refocus on the important aspects of your training. Make sure your attention is not taken away from any one area for too long. Remind yourself what is important so you can refocus on those important things. Don’t obsess about the little details so much that the more important things get forgotten.

This concept reminds me of a computer’s CPU. It is so interesting; a single core can execute only one instruction at a time. The clock cycle allows the CPU to know when to execute the next instruction, one for every cycle. The faster the CPU’s cycle, the more instructions that can be processed in a period of time. Computers process millions of executions and do so many important things, but they do it one instruction at a time.

Just like the computer, work to keep your focus on the important things and use balance to keep things moving and keeping your efforts pointed in the right direction at the right time.  After a period of time of using focus and balance together, you will see the many accomplishments that you have been able to achieve.

November is a often a time of reflection and expression of gratitude. Allow me to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU for being a part of Kaju AZ. It’s an honor to work with each of you.  I am truly blessed!

Train Strong to Remain Strong!
-Sigung Kelly