“The most important books for you are the books that you actually read.”
Let’s face it, when you go higher in the ranks of a traditional martial art, there is less that you are taught, but that doesn’t mean there is less to learn! You must take responsibility for your own training. The training in question can be for your mind, body or spirit. For this article let’s focus on the mind. We must have good knowledge of the theory and philosophy of our technique and history of our own martial art, but just as we have the ability to cross train in other martial arts physically we also have the ability to cross train mentally!
I am a Tang Soo Do practitioner, but my most recent books I ordered online were written by Rhonda Rousey (MMA/Judo) and Muhamad Ali (Boxing). I could read all of Chuck Norris’ books but that would keep my reading perspective very narrow, even though I really like his writing style! I read these books very intentionally. I go in with the mindset that I will have at least one take away from what I am reading whether it be something technical in my training or a way to improve my mindset. This allows me to explore myself and reflect on what I just read. I then take the lessons and apply them to my training, but most importantly I apply them to my life.
The most important books for you are the books that you actually read. I hated reading in school because I did not have a passion or want to read the books in front of me. I can also say that the only fiction book that I have read in recent years was The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis after thoroughly enjoying the Netflix series. I have found that I like to read nonfiction. Since that discovery I have been reading more and more books; sometimes two or three a week.
Without finding a topic that I enjoyed reading I likely would not have reaped the inherent benefits of reading books regularly. You will often hear that a lot of successful people such as Elon Musk, would read multiple books a day (Simmons). This is causation not just correlation! Reading regularly will give you the ability to take quiet time for yourself where the only thing you need to process are the words on the page. The rest of your senses can take a break. Giving your senses a break will give you the ability to recharge your mental batteries for the rest of the day. Reading will also improve your self discipline. By taking time to read every day, you show that you have the self discipline to create a routine. This self discipline can and will help you create a constant training schedule!
Most importantly, reading martial arts and self-help books will give you the ability to challenge yourself mentally and provide you continuous learning. A lot of instructors myself included have the tendency to teach better classes after taking the time for ourselves to attend an exciting training seminar. The same can be said for reading a good book! I find that I teach better classes particularly for my older college students after reading a good book. I am able to provide them with excellent takeaway points after reading. I also find that I have the ability to hold better conversations with people as well! It is so easy for instructors to get stuck in a rut when continuously teaching without taking the time to continue learning. At the end of the day continued development will not just keep you fresh, it will also keep your students engaged.
What are some of the books that have impacted you in your training and in your teaching?
I would love to hear about them. Leave a comment on this article or on the Facebook Post, and I will be sure to check them out!
Sources
Simmons, Michael. “Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, and Oprah All Use the 5-Hour Rule. Here’s How This Powerful Habit Works.” Business Insider, Business Insider, 25 Feb. 2020, www.businessinsider.com/bill-gates-warren-buffet-and-oprah-all-use-the-5-hour-rule-2017-7.
