when you train?

Question

do you listen to music or do you just listen to your surroundings
also i like to train outside im my garden but when its raining i cant shall i s till make the effort
also my neighbours had an extension and can see our garden i fell quite shy practising what shall i do

thank u

Answer 1

MUSIC: For some things, you need to concerntrate. Turn the music off then
For repetative warm ups and excersizes, working to a beat can help.

RAIN: The days with rain, the other guy doesn't want to train either. This is the time to get better than the other dude.

GARDEN: hang out the washing on your new clothes line that you put up beside your fence in front of their window. (Hang a clean sheet there)

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PS. I have read some of the other answers. There is another reason I like music at times. If you need to use your martial arts at any time, it will probably be in a setting where there is a lot of noise pollution. Some very good sports people are out of their comfort zone when the noise level goes up.
Likewise for wet weather.
Hope you never need to use it in public.

Answer 2

Hi there

Training to music is cool but only useful for cardio or doing the large forms.

Training outside is great for all martial arts and its a real shame that most people only train indoors.

The benefits are endless such as training in different weather conditions and lighting, training on un level surfaces, different sounds etc.

Its a great experience and its a real fighting environment.

Training in general public view is not recommended for various reasons. It can attract the wrong attention from gangs and general tossers plus you may get a visit from the Police..

My best advice is to buy a dog and get a walking stick and go train in the woods. That way no one will be watching and if they see you then your just walking your dog ;)

Answer 3

Martial arts have a long tradition of association with music. In particular, heavy-percussion drums have been used to keep tempo during forms training, and to inflame the spirit for hard training; and flutes have been used as an aid to meditation.
In modern musical terms, the Dog Brothers Martial Arts Association recommends the music of Brent Lewis for hard training. Traditional Chinese and Japanese flute music is readily available on the internet, although modern New Age music would probably do as well. In any case I recommend using music only--not actual songs, which would be distracting.
As for being shy--you must simply decide, which is more important to you; training, or not wondering if your neighbors are watching you.

Answer 4

I only train in the dojo. If its outside the dojo setting, that's called playing to me.

As far as the dojo setting, I like the formality, ritual, concentration and attention to detail that is required. Its a part of the discipline that to me is kind of lost with sounds other than Sensei and the students. The dojo is sort of the sanctuary FROM all that outside stuff like job, traffic, music (even though I love music), etc.,...

Call me a traditionalist.

I consider training to be a serious thing because it can be dangerous. I don't want a distraction like music pulling my attention at a critical moment... like when Sensei calls me for ukemi and I don't know what he's going to do - I have to focus for my own safety.

I also think it would be insulting to Sensei, the other students and the dojo to let myself get distracted. It happens, but I don't need 'shinny objects' to make it worse. :)

Answer 5

There are two schools of thought here:

1. Training with music becomes a crutch. It means you have to carry a radio around with you in case you get in a fight.

2. Music sets a mood. Playing music with a high BPM (beats per minute) can quicken your pulse and unconsciously help you to move faster. Playing more soothing music during stretching or meditation can be relaxing.

What I have found is that if I train with music, I eventually just tune the music out. I use it during warm ups while I skip rope or shadow box. Doing this can also help you to multi-task. If you focus on the music, you should still be able to skip rope without missing a jump. If you focus on jumping, you should be able to tune out the music.

Using music for your workout doesn't mean you are doing Tai-Bo if you use it correctly.


As for your outdoor workouts, eventually you will have to get over your shyness. If you expect to use your training for competition or self-defense, you will likely have people watching you. When it rains, you can still workout indoors by stretching and shadow boxing. You can do push-ups, sit-ups and other conditioning exercises to improve yourself.

Answer 6

do what ever you feel like outside the training hall. create your own rules in life. only thing you need to remember is that as soon as you stop learning or growing, its time to stop what you are doing and try something else. whether it be turning the music off, trying a new style, etc

no one can know what is good for you.

and as for training outside of the dojo being 'play time' (Justin), what a load of sh!t. grow up. that is the best time to mix it up and focus on other areas, like free fighting outside the boundaries of the style. tradition is dogma. you have been brainwashed to the fullest extent. when you have finished being a sycophant to your instructor, you can decide your own fate. some of the best training came from testing my 'style' against friends from other styles. very enlightening. you are separating the dojo and the outside worlds, and though they are different, unless you train for the outside world you dont know sh!t. music, distraction, shouting, lights... are waiting outside for you. if you cant fight through distraction you are going to lose.

the dojo is the place of our foundations, not the total of our experiences. change your mindset, and welcome the chaos of training away from the hall. there is no time to horse stance a quick meditation before the mugger takes your wallet.

bottom line: do what you want, and dont worry if its improving your ability. better to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission. think for yourself, and question every day you live.

Answer 7

Music is a distraction.

You listen to:
Your teacher,
Your body,
Your mind and
Your spirit.

Tai Chi is often called "meditation in motion" (or a similar term.)

IMO: If you are listening to music you are not practicing a martial art, you are doing an exercise routine.

Answer 8

Of course no music. People who listen to music when exercise, are weak. They are dependent on something to entertain them.

As a martial artist , you need focus, and self control. Aren't you taught that?

Answer 9

I practice out in my front yard...usually early in the morning before sunrise. The weather is of no consequence. As for the sounds...they are simply background noise with no real impact, unless there is something unusual happening.