One of the areas we focus on teaching at the dojo is the importance of setting goals. One of the big benefits of the martial arts belt system is the ability to set a concrete goal for yourself. To be a white belt today and be able to say, I’m going to be a black belt- and here are the steps I have to take. The progression through the colored belts between white and black belt are your mile markers on your journey and help you chunk down your goal.
When I was a white belt, I knew I would be that black belt in the future, but in the near-term I just had to focus on earning that next belt in front of me- my blue belt.
And what does it take to earn my blue belt? Consistent practice, learning to be a good training partner, technical proficiency, and a healthy attitude about progressing (on the path to mastery there are some bumps on the road). After earning my belt I can start to set my sights on the next step. What new skills do I need to learn, what are the areas of my training and life I need to improve?
Learning how to set and achieve a long-term goal in jiu-jitsu, karate, taekwondo, or any martial art carries over into other areas of our lives and allows us to follow the same blueprint to achieve success in our schooling, work, and our personal lives.
In my own experience, earning my jiu-jitsu black belt has been THE most challenging goal I’ve accomplished in my life and after doing it, other big goals doesn’t seem quite as intimidating because I understand the process for achievement
Something we talk about with students is having SMART goals:
Specific (say exactly what you want to accomplish)
Measurable (be able to track your progress)
Attainable (goals should be challenging but not impossible)
Relevant (fits with your other goals and life plan)
Time-bound (what is your deadline to achieve this goal)
The key for your SMART goal is to keep in mind that thinking about it isn’t enough! You need to write it down and review it on a regular basis!
Call to schedule your free orientation 512-504-3354 or read more about Dojo Kyle at www.dojokyle.com
Thank you,
WIll Caldwell
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Dojo Kyle is the top martial arts school in Kyle/Buda. Founded in 2011 by Ryan Shinto, Dojo Kyle offers classes for kids ages 5 and up designed to develop the critical building blocks they need for school excellence and later success in life. Dojo Kyle’s adult program is structured as a complete fitness and conditioning program for adults who want to lose weight, get (and stay) in shape or learn self-defense in a supportive environment.
Will Caldwell is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and Judo black belt. He graduated from Texas State University and became involved in martial arts while in college. He was one of Ryan Shinto’s first students at Dojo Kyle and believed so much in the life changing results of training (from experiencing it himself!), that he was offered a larger role at the school and became part owner- dedicating his time and energy to introducing more and more people to martial arts!
