Summer is right around the corner. As school gets out and the weather gets warm we get in the Summer spirit, which means we have the pool, friends, and relaxation on our minds.

Unfortunately, the pool, friends, and relaxation aren’t going to help you with your martial arts training. We want you to have fun, but we want to see you continue to benefit from the martial arts as well.

“Martial Arts should be a way of life, not a job, hobby, sport, but a part of you and the way you live your life.” — Frank Gutting

Here are 7 great ways to stay motivated during summer months:

1. Set a testing goal.

Most students will be eligible to test at some point during the Summer. Speak with your instructor and find out which month you’ll be eligible to take your promotion test. Set a goal (actually write it down) to achieve your next belt that month and then come to class and work hard to make it happen.

How many of your friends can say they got a new belt in a martial art over the Summer?

2. Help a friend or family member get started and come to class with them.

How exciting would it be to train with a friend or family member? What if you could drag your mom or dad into class with you? Or if you’re an adult, how about getting your son or daughter enrolled? When you train along side a friend or family member, it makes training even more fun and exciting.

And did you know that if you refer a friend you can get a free month of lessons if they sign up on a regular membership? That’s up to a $135 value. If you’re adding a family member, you can add them for 50% off. Find someone who might want to take lessons with you and bring them in!

3. Challenge yourself by joining the competition team.

Our competition team trains to win competitions around the southeast and we compete annually at the AAU National Championships. Karate USAs competition team is one of the most respected teams in the Southeast. And guess what? We need more members!

You could be the next state or national champion. Email Mr. Geary if you are interested and you may attend one training class free to see if you enjoy it. You can get more information on the competition team page.

There’s no better way to stay motivated during the summer than to train hard, compete, and win!

4. Focus on one part of Taekwondo and master it.

Instead of just coming to random classes, pick a specific area to work on and master it over the Summer. Sparring and forms are both great areas to concentrate on. Check the schedule each month and make it a point to come to every class that’s covering the area you’ve chosen. Also take some time to practice at home. By the end of the Summer, you’ll be two to three times better at that skill.

That’s a surefire way to really stay motivated through the Summer as well as going into next school year.

5. Take Taekwondo on vacation with you.

Lot’s of people vacation during the Summer months. Read the quote at the top of this article. Martial arts is a way of life. It’s not any old sport that you can drop here and there and then pick back up when you feel like it. We don’t “play” martial arts, we “live” martial arts.

If you go on vacation, make sure you take Taekwondo with you. Practicing in new locations can be really fun and energizing. If you’re going to the beach, it’s very refreshing to practice forms on the beach at sunrise, to do sprints in the sand, and practice kicking in the water. No matter where you’re going, you can find a way to make Taekwondo a part of the journey.

6. Watch a martial arts movie.

If your a kid, nothing will motivate you more than watching a good martial arts movie. How did those actors get to be so good? They consistently went to class and trained hard. That’s it.

Watch the actors perform in the movie and figure out how you’re going to be as good as them. Feel energized by the techniques they are able to do and come to class to practice.

Recommended movies:

• Karate Kid
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
• The Three Ninjas
• Sidekicks (Chuck Norris) (discontinued by manufacturer – check ebay)
• Kung Fu Panda

7. Participate in our summer camps.

Our Summer camps are extremely popular. This Summer you will have the option of attending two camps: a sparring camp and a Dragon’s camp. Both camps offer fun and exciting martial arts activities. And if you want to bring your friends to camp with you, the Dragon’s camp is open to everyone!

Get more information on our summer camps and come join us for some great fun!