Working Your Way To Shodan

Whether it takes you 3 years, 5 years, 10 years or more, keep going. There may have been pauses that come up in your life that made you stop. This was never the end because you started back up, right? Sometimes something that looks like an end isn’t an end. 

Train what you know. Train at least twice a week. In your dojo study AND on your own. Consistency helps in solidifying these lessons. Much like learning anything. Be precise and thoughtful. If you can, know and understand the names of the techniques and what they mean. Use a mirror, lines on the floor, hanging bag or rope, camera to record yourself, etc. Use as many means as you can to create a better outcome for your study. Pause and pay attention to how you are moving. It can be easy to think you are doing the lesson correctly until you add a training aid. Then you may realize your angle was off. Work slowly and use training aids and training partners. 

Keep a checklist and a notebook. This will help you keep aware of what new things you learned. Write down tips to make your skills better. Also to see where you are at in your studies. Seeing this progression will help show you if you are slowing down or progressing smoothly upon your path. Like I mentioned before, it doesn’t matter how long it takes to get your shodan or any grade. It is about progression and passion. Even if you pause for a year on the physical part of training. It doesn’t mean you have stopped your mental study of the art. Or working towards creating a better you. Yes, becoming a person that is less hot headed or not as easily stressed is a part of the martial arts path. 

Talk with your teacher. Keep consistent communication. Create meetups, private lessons, or at least attend seminars they are teaching. You may be able to test during these times. It is also good to be commutative with your teacher upon your studies. Your teacher may give you more information upon techniques if they feel you are passionate in your growth and show it.

Reflect yourself like a clean mirror. Honest and true. Creating an enjoyable journey on the path is better than rushing to get somewhere. 

Keep moving forward.