Training is difficult. Training makes you sweat. Training takes focus. Training takes dedication.

Sometimes… we don’t have any of those things in us. So how do you deal with the lack of motivation to train? You deal with it using intervals. You don’t train for an hour, you train for a shorter interval. The wooden dummy hurts our forearms, our shins, feet ( if we get carried away ). So how do you deal?

I like to use the Pomodoro Technique. This technique was invented by Francesco Cirillo in the 1980s. Simply put you train for 25 minutes and then take a 10 minute break. You train for another 25 minutes, and you get another 10 minute break. After the fourth 25 minute interval you’re done. That or you take a longer break. I prefer an hour break at this point.

Now… that is just the top level training.  During my 25 minute intervals… I prefer to use more time-boxing techniques. This time I follow the rule of three. Every three exercises or repetitions of the same exercise, I take a break and change the exercise. So every 5-10 minutes, I take a 1 minute break. Then I change the exercise.

So if I’m doing variations of Tan Da, I will do three variations of these for 5 to 10 minutes. Then I switch it up and do variations of Gan Da, or some other exercise for another 5-10 minutes. I do this until I hit 25 minutes and get a 5 minute break.

How do you stay motivated? Variety, breaks, intervals and the knowledge that you don’t learn Wing Chun Kung Fu overnight. It takes time. Slow down, learn it right. That’s it! That’s how I stay motivated. I realize that it’s not a daunting task. It’s just this small thing.. .which I’m doing for the next five minutes that I need to train for.

As I always mention, do not take information from third parties and just dump it into your training. Talk to your Sifu! Ask for his/her advice and guidance. The path that I am taking is not necessarily the path he wants you to follow. If you have any comments or questions, leave them below.

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