Hello,
I'm seeking some advice about my training and life in general from more seasoned martial artists.
I am in my 30s and after being inactive for years finally decided to get into martial arts, which has been an armchair interest of mine since childhood.
Over the last few years I've tried a few places including BJJ, Taekwondo and boxing. I settled on a karate club for a while but ended up moving on as I felt it was a bit child focused.
I then switched to a boxing and Muay Thai gym which is only adults. Great workout and great people. However, lately I've felt like the training isn't that great. I don't get much one on one instruction from the head coach. I realised I've been doing some very basic mistakes for several months. It's pretty commercial, with a large number of students. They do train amateur fighters but I would say the bulk of the students are just average people trying to get fit and learn for fun (like me).
In saying this, I've been very inconsistent with training. I can't always make it because I run a small business and have kids. I'm starting to think about training somewhere else but...
I'm starting to wonder if it's actually me. I have a history of taking on hobbies with zest and then the interest fizzles out, I start skipping classes and then I quit. I don't want to be a quitter!
I feel like I'm making my way around the martial arts pool in my town and people might think bad of me. There are only so many schools here and I don't want to keep starting up and quitting. I've already left this boxing gym once to try another club, then returned. If I quit again, I would be to self conscious to return a third time! In saying that, I know this is all in my head and most places probably couldn't care less. Especially boxing gyms, which are a bit more 'come and go as you please' as opposed to a more traditional school in my opinion.
I also train weekly with a strength coach which I've been doing for a couple of years. Lately, with the boxing and work/family being busy, I haven't been focusing on my training much. I'm feeling a bit stressed and fatigued by boxing (or my gradual disinterest in it) and thinking I could take a break from the boxing and just focus on that for a while to get fit.
But I know the urge to train is still within me. There's nothing more fun that punching and kicking bags and other people in sparring. I really do enjoy it.
So my questions is: based on the info I've given, what would be a good move?
Should I just shut up and keep training at the current club? I could ask more explicitly for tips and feedback, turn up more consistently and show that I'm keen.
Should I take a break? Focus on my strength and conditioning at home and organise my life/business a little better?
Or should I start checking out other places until I find the one that is going to suit me. The place I'll be happy to train at?
I'm hesitant to try another club because I think once I start, I should keep going and be consistent. I wouldn't want to turn up for a few then disappear.
Deep down I think while I am very busy, I can afford 2 nights a week to train. I think it rejuvenates me and keeps me focused rather than eating away at my schedule. I also think my interest in this current place has run out. If I leave again I probably won't go back.
There are plenty of other clubs around that offer a range of classes from kickboxing, judo, MMA, Muay Thai, karate, etc. Most of them have personal training options and I'm sure I could tailor something that works.
Also, being a bit older and a beginner means I'd like to get involved now as I'm not getting any younger.
If you made it this far, thanks for reading. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
I'm seeking some advice about my training and life in general from more seasoned martial artists.
I am in my 30s and after being inactive for years finally decided to get into martial arts, which has been an armchair interest of mine since childhood.
Over the last few years I've tried a few places including BJJ, Taekwondo and boxing. I settled on a karate club for a while but ended up moving on as I felt it was a bit child focused.
I then switched to a boxing and Muay Thai gym which is only adults. Great workout and great people. However, lately I've felt like the training isn't that great. I don't get much one on one instruction from the head coach. I realised I've been doing some very basic mistakes for several months. It's pretty commercial, with a large number of students. They do train amateur fighters but I would say the bulk of the students are just average people trying to get fit and learn for fun (like me).
In saying this, I've been very inconsistent with training. I can't always make it because I run a small business and have kids. I'm starting to think about training somewhere else but...
I'm starting to wonder if it's actually me. I have a history of taking on hobbies with zest and then the interest fizzles out, I start skipping classes and then I quit. I don't want to be a quitter!
I feel like I'm making my way around the martial arts pool in my town and people might think bad of me. There are only so many schools here and I don't want to keep starting up and quitting. I've already left this boxing gym once to try another club, then returned. If I quit again, I would be to self conscious to return a third time! In saying that, I know this is all in my head and most places probably couldn't care less. Especially boxing gyms, which are a bit more 'come and go as you please' as opposed to a more traditional school in my opinion.
I also train weekly with a strength coach which I've been doing for a couple of years. Lately, with the boxing and work/family being busy, I haven't been focusing on my training much. I'm feeling a bit stressed and fatigued by boxing (or my gradual disinterest in it) and thinking I could take a break from the boxing and just focus on that for a while to get fit.
But I know the urge to train is still within me. There's nothing more fun that punching and kicking bags and other people in sparring. I really do enjoy it.
So my questions is: based on the info I've given, what would be a good move?
Should I just shut up and keep training at the current club? I could ask more explicitly for tips and feedback, turn up more consistently and show that I'm keen.
Should I take a break? Focus on my strength and conditioning at home and organise my life/business a little better?
Or should I start checking out other places until I find the one that is going to suit me. The place I'll be happy to train at?
I'm hesitant to try another club because I think once I start, I should keep going and be consistent. I wouldn't want to turn up for a few then disappear.
Deep down I think while I am very busy, I can afford 2 nights a week to train. I think it rejuvenates me and keeps me focused rather than eating away at my schedule. I also think my interest in this current place has run out. If I leave again I probably won't go back.
There are plenty of other clubs around that offer a range of classes from kickboxing, judo, MMA, Muay Thai, karate, etc. Most of them have personal training options and I'm sure I could tailor something that works.
Also, being a bit older and a beginner means I'd like to get involved now as I'm not getting any younger.
If you made it this far, thanks for reading. I'd love to hear your thoughts.