As a martial artist you have to be aware that your practice does not end with class.
First, you must take care of your body. You must be conscientious about everything you put into your body. In addition to what you eat and drink, you must make sure to never do anything that would dull your senses, blunt your mind or otherwise harm yourself.
Second, you must improve your physical conditioning. All serious martial artists should be constantly working to improve flexibility, increase strength and develop stamina. I have met a grandmaster who would eat his meals while in a full split. There was another grandmaster who would perform all his household chores with his left hand, his non-dominant side, just to improve his dexterity and coordination. And a very good martial artist once told me that the secret to his success and longevity was the 1,000 squats he performed every day to keep his legs strong. Improvement must continue at all times, even outside the dojang.
Finally, you must refine your mind and think like a martial artist. You must teach yourself to fight with indomitable spirit and otherwise strive for mastery in all aspects of your art. This is most difficult.
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- S.J. Kim
