What is Practicing and What is Insanity?

By definition (by Albert Einstein), insanity is "doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results". By definition practicing is "performing an activity/skill repeatedly or regularly in order to improve or maintain one's proficiency". When we look at these two definitions, we see many similarities. However, the major difference between the two is mindfulness.

When a student repeats and repeats without mindfulness towards what they are repeating and why they're repeating, the student will gain no skill. However, when a student repeats over and over again with a mindfulness towards what they are doing, the student will gain, and retain, skill.

To be mindful is to literally be "conscious or aware of something". 

Practicing without mindfulness towards what you are doing, is not practicing...It is insanity!

How Can I as a Student Practice Beyond Classes?

By coming to TaeKwon-Do class, a student is taking the first step in their learning journey. However, classes are designed to present information to students so that they may take the information home and practice it to retain. When a student comes to class, they are learning...NOT RETAINING. Retention and proficiency is gained through MINDFUL PRACTICE OUTSIDE OF CLASSES. This goes beyond TaeKwon-Do and stems into every part of normal life.

Practicing with mindfulness is DIFFICULT! However, if a student wishes to be good at something (or anything), they must undertake the challenge.

How Can I as a Parent/Family Member Help my Student Practice?

Part of gaining a skill and proficiency comes from learning how to re-deliver the information you have been taught to others. The ability to relay details assists our minds with "connecting the dots" in our learning. As a family member of a TaeKwon-Do martial artist, you are doing your student a favor by allowing them to show you what they have learned outside of class time. 

Take initiative in your students growth and learning process and ask them detailed questions on how things are done. No one makes it to the top by themselves, ENGAGE WITH YOUR STUDENT!

PRACTICING SHOULD BE FUN!

When a student aims to practice mindfully and engage with what they are doing, they should have a positive experience. Students should be encouraged to be creative and play games as they practice. 

A bored student is an un-engaged student. And an un-engaged student is a non-progressing student.

When practicing at home, students are encouraged to play and enjoy their time. 

Practicing should not be mind-numbing!

In the spirit of helping our students succeed and giving our students a base to "jump off from" in their at-home practicing routines, we have created a list (below) of at-home practicing ideas for students (and their families) to participate in to spur mindful practicing and skill growth. This list is broken down into multiple sections depending on how we would recommend to use them. However, in light of encouraging excitement and creativity with your students practicing, please take these more as "guidelines" to be a starting-point for your students enjoyment and creativity.

Remember...Practicing SHOULD BE FUN!