My interpretation on one of the 20 guiding precepts of Shotokan Karate-Do.
I believe this applies to anything that we do in life. Sometimes we end up sick, injured, and run-down, and at times are pulled away from our daily training schedule due to personal or work commitments. It’s easy to miss a workout, and it’s easy for those missed workouts to add up quickly. Next thing you know, you only trained once or twice in the past week.
I had an experience once where after being absent from training for one week I was practicing one of my advanced katas. As much as I hated to admit it, I had trouble remembering a few movements. Because I had not been practicing kata every day, my flow of movement and reaction timing had gone cold. After a few practice sessions my technique returned, but I still felt a bit disappointed in myself as I’m competitive in nature and set a high standard for myself.
Consistency is an important concept in karate when it comes to development, health and fitness. It doesn’t matter how good your training routine is, if you can’t stick to it. A lot of karate practitioner’s lack constant training. I’ve seen students train a few days a week for tournaments, grading’s and for general training. Those who are consistently inconsistent will end up sick, injured, and run-down, while wondering why they can’t get faster, stronger, and fitter.
Ever wonder how or why that person can execute that technique so perfectly with such precision and power? Well, simply put - that’s because he or she has found their synergy! Consistent training and dedicating quality time to it is what will get you through to the next development phase. When I say ‘development’ I mean the true synergy – the unity and connection between your mind and body.
Sensei James Singh
