Bruce Lee famously said, “I fear not the man who has practised 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practised one kick 10,000 times.” This quote speaks volumes about the importance of dedication, focus, and skill mastery. Yet, in martial arts, we often encounter students who seem unable to embrace this philosophy. They come to class with a “full cup,” so to speak, unable to absorb new knowledge because they cling tightly to preconceived notions and past experiences.   

These are the students who, when introduced to a new technique or concept, often retort with, “Yeah, but at my last gym, we did it this way.” This resistance to change stems from a fixed mindset, and an inability to let go of old habits and embrace new possibilities. Their “cup” is already full; there’s no room for anything else.

10,00 times!

This closed-mindedness often goes hand in hand with a lack of dedication. They may flit from one technique to another, always eager to add to their arsenal but never willing to put in the hard work required for true mastery. They are collectors of techniques, not owners of them. They lack the patience and discipline to drill a single kick 10,000 times, refine it, understand its nuances, and make it truly their own.

At Team Vunak UK, we emphasize adaptability and the development of a fluid, responsive fighting style. This requires an open mind, a willingness to learn and grow, and a commitment to hard work. To truly embrace JKD, you must be willing to empty your cup, to let go of preconceptions and to embrace the unfamiliar.

How can you ensure you’re not one of these Martial Arts students?

• Cultivate a beginner’s mind: Approach each class with a sense of curiosity and openness. Be willing to learn new things, even if they challenge your existing beliefs.
• Focus on quality over quantity: Don’t try to learn everything at once. Choose a few key techniques and drill them relentlessly until they become second nature.
• Embrace feedback: Listen to your instructors and training partners. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to improve your skills.
• Don’t be afraid to fail: Mistakes are an essential part of the learning process. Embrace them, learn from them, and keep moving forward.
• Not Every day is a school day:  Training is Training, Learning is learning they are different. If you learn something new in every JKD session when do you get the time to perfect them?

Remember, in martial arts, the journey is just as important as the destination. Empty your cup, embrace the challenge, and strive for mastery.

Ready to empty your cup and embark on a journey of true martial arts mastery? Contact us today to learn more about Team Vunak UK and our JKD programs. And don’t forget to connect with us on social media FB –  INSTA  & YouTube for training tips, updates, and inspiration!

See you soon.

Paul