The last few years have been challenging. Some people trained more than ever, while others stopped completely. Some found new hobbies. But many are now realizing they miss what group fitness—and martial arts in particular—offered them: friendship, motivation, and instruction.
If you stopped training martial arts, you might feel like you’ve been left behind. Maybe you’ve forgotten techniques or feel intimidated to return. You're not alone.
We’ve heard from fitness clients who feel frustrated after indulging a bit too much during the summer. Maybe they don’t feel as lean as before, or they’ve lost a little stamina or strength. Breaks can do that. You may retain more water, gain a little weight around the middle, or simply feel “off.” It happens.
For martial arts students, forgetting techniques or struggling to recall moves you once had down can be discouraging. Meanwhile, others may have trained while you were away and even advanced in rank. That contrast can fuel even more frustration.
The same feeling can happen when you do move up in rank. You go from being one of the most experienced at your belt level to the newest in your new one. It’s all part of the natural training cycle.
Like tides coming in and out, life ebbs and flows. Training is no different. Those down cycles—the tough seasons—are when training matters most. That’s where the real victories lie.
It’s easy to train when you’re in the rhythm and everything is flowing. But after a break? Just walking through the front door of the studio or gym can be the biggest hurdle.
We understand how easily one day off can turn into a week... and then two... and before you know it, a whole month has slipped by.
Don’t let a needed rest day become a long-term break. Reset your priorities. Unless you're injured, moving your body—even if it’s just stretching, using the cardio machines, or doing a few curls—will almost always make you feel better.
I didn’t train martial arts for five years at one point. That is one of my biggest regrets. Don’t let that happen to you. Time will move on, with or without you. Make the most of each day.
See you at the studio soon!
Nate Church
Founder/Head Instructor
