Walking into a martial arts class for the very first time can be pretty nerve-wracking. You might feel intimidated by all the experienced practitioners around you and think that you’re not good enough to be there. You may be having that last thought as you bow in for the first time that says…. why in the world did I do this? Don’t fret, here’s a little secret: everyone, and I do mean everyone, starts as a beginner. Embrace being a beginner in martial arts. In fact, embracing your beginner status might be one of the best things you could do for your martial arts journey. Stepping in with an empty cup will get you very far. With that being said, here are four reasons why you should allow yourself to be a beginner while training in martial arts.
- You will have a better foundation. Remember that old saying “you have to crawl before you can walk”? The same applies to martial arts. By allowing yourself to start from the beginning, you’ll learn all of the fundamental movements and techniques that will serve as the foundation for your training. You’ll build good habits and make fewer mistakes that you’ll eventually have to unlearn. It may be tempting to try and skip ahead, but you can’t build a pyramid without a solid foundation. Don’t start jumping and skipping things that are paramount to your training.
- You will learn humility. It’s great to have confidence, but it’s also essential to know your limitations. When you’re a beginner, you’re going to make mistakes, and that’s okay. Knowing that you have a lot to learn can help you approach your training with a sense of humility. It can also eliminate the pressure to perform at a level you’re not ready for yet. Do not compare yourself to anyone, but yourself. Martial arts training is a journey, and everyone moves at their own pace. Being humble will help you appreciate the process and enjoy the ride.
- You’ll progress more quickly. It might seem counterintuitive, but allowing yourself to be a beginner could actually help you progress more quickly. When you have a good foundation, you’ll have a better understanding of how to execute techniques correctly. “An advanced technique is nothing but a basic technique done right (Hill Brothers).” You’ll also be less likely to get injured, which means you’ll be able to train consistently without any setbacks. Consistency is key to progressing quickly, and being a beginner who takes the time to hone their skills is more likely to see results than someone who tries to rush through the learning process.
- You’ll see improvement. When you first start martial arts training, you might be surprised by how difficult it is. Simple movements and techniques can feel awkward and unnatural. However, the great thing about starting from the beginning is that you’ll see improvement as you go. Each time you step onto the mat and train, you’ll be able to do something that you couldn’t before. Progress might be slow, but it will be there, and it will be rewarding.
There’s no denying that being a beginner in martial arts can be a humbling experience, but it’s also an important one. By taking your time and building a solid foundation, you’ll be setting yourself up for success later on. You’ll learn more quickly, improve consistently, and enjoy the journey to black belt and beyond. So, embrace your beginner status, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. After all, making mistakes is how we learn. Unless it is jumping off of a cliff without a parachute, making mistakes is fine, keep learning from them and get better everyday. Keep the beginner mindset for the rest of your journey and you will be an amazing martial artist.
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