When you consider the amount of hard work and effort that is placed on learning martial arts here at Strickland’s, taking a break from training can be quite detrimental. The small amount of time that each student actually spends on the matt’s training on any given month (juniors total on average six hours, teens and adults eight) it makes little sense to take a break. Considering that there are seven hundred twenty hours in a average month of which more than four hundred are spent awake, there seems no reason to take a break on an activity that requires so little of one’s time.

Here are several reasons why it might be a bad idea:especially if the break is prolonged.

1. Loss of Physical Conditioning

Martial arts training demands a high level of physical fitness, including strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination. When you stop training, your body gradually loses these attributes. It can take weeks or even months to rebuild what was lost during a break, which may discourage you from returning to the same level of intensity.

2. Skill Regression

This is probably the most important reason of all. Martial arts techniques are highly precise and require regular practice to maintain proficiency. Taking time off can cause you to forget techniques, reduce muscle memory, and lose sharpness in your movements. Even high-level practitioners need consistent repetition to stay sharp and effective. Yes even Mr. Strickland trains on a regular basis several times a week.

3. Mental Toughness and Discipline

Martial arts training is as much a mental discipline as it is physical. A break can weaken your mental conditioning, such as focus, discipline, and perseverance. It's easier to let excuses pile up, leading to procrastination or quitting altogether.

4. Loss of Progress and Motivation

When you’re away from training, it’s easy to lose sight of your goals. The longer you stay away, the harder it may feel to come back. You might feel frustrated or demotivated if you can't pick up where you left off, which could lead to quitting altogether. Its sad but true that only 2% of students will make it to black belt rank in any given class.

5. Breaks Can Lead to Bad Habits

Without consistent training, you may inadvertently develop bad habits, such as poor posture, incorrect technique, or laziness in movements. This can lead to inefficiency in your practice or even injuries when you resume.

6. Loss of Community and Support

Our school fosters a sense of camaraderie and community. We are a tribe. Taking a break from your tribe can lead to disconnection from your training partners and instructors. Losing this support system can make it harder to stay accountable and motivated to return.

7. Risk of Injury Upon Returning

After a break, you may be more prone to injury if you jump back into training with the same intensity. Your body will likely need time to readjust, and without a gradual return to form, you risk straining muscles, tendons, or ligaments that have deconditioned during your time off.

8. Decreased Confidence

Martial arts training builds build self-confidence through progress, achievement, and consistent practice. A break may leave you feeling less confident in your skills and abilities, which could negatively affect your performance when you return.

While breaks may sometimes be necessary, staying consistent with training, even at a reduced pace, can help mitigate all these issues. When you consider that your only dedicating 45 minutes of your time to two classes a week, you have to ask yourself what it is your taking a break from.