“The first discipline is to attend class.”
I am not sure who should receive credit for this quotation, but it is a time honored principle in martial arts. One simply cannot make progress without regular class attendance and diligent training outside of class. When asked how to improve as a martial artist, the iconic founder of Kyukushin karate, Sosai Masutatsu Oyama, replied, “Train. Train more than you sleep.” There are no secrets.
The COVID-19 epidemic has created its own set of unprecedented concerns and challenges. SFMA has implemented a number of practices to make our training as safe as possible. If one’s COVID-19 concerns still preclude regular class attendance, skills should be maintained with regular individual practice. Although individual training is a poor substitute for regular class attendance, when returning to class students who have engaged in individual training will be prepared to continue their martial arts journey.
Train. Practice.
Master Christopher D. Moore