When you think of summer, your mind wanders to thoughts of green grass, trees in full bloom, the aroma of fresh flowers and a whole array of outdoor activity. After being captured and enslaved by the winter doldrums there’s an excitement in the air as we eagerly anticipate all the things we’ve been denied these past few months. It’s as though nature has allowed itself to be reborn, with everything refreshed and renewed, sort of another chance. This is a time when we throw off the old winter blues and start over.

Maybe each of us could take a lesson from Mother Nature, take a good look at ourselves and make a decision to throw away our old bad habits and pick up some newer, better habits. It seems to be inevitable, each summer there are martial arts students that cut back on their classes using the excuse that it’s just too nice out to train. I’ve personally trained hundreds of students since I began my own training in 1964. Why is it then that I have only issued thirty-four Black Belt certificates? The answer is simple, those thirty-four didn’t use the excuses like “it’s too hot”, “it’s too cold”, and “I’m too tired”. These aren’t reasons not to train; they’re only excuses.

Take a good look at the real martial artists, the champions, and the coaches that train those champions. These men and women are there day after day, year after year. Training, working hard despite the aches and pains. Do you think the weather dictates or changes their training regimen? Of course not! Your training must be constant in order to be effective. I become frustrated and disgusted with the individual that quits. A quitter will always find an excuse. Do you know what it takes to become a winner? I’ll tell you – DON’T EVER QUIT!! Some individuals quit after they achieve a Black Belt. If I live to be a hundred, I’ll never understand that. Quitting shows total disregard and lack of respect toward the people that guided, trained and helped you to reach that respected level.

Allow me to tell you just how things are done at my school (White Tiger Kenpo Karate). #1 – A successful interview will get you into the door. #2 – Lack of positive work ethics will put you out of that same door. I have neither the patience nor the time to waste on a future quitter!

So, summer is here. Make sure you stick to your training schedule. That’s the only way to become better and certainly the only way to become a respected martial artist. Enjoy the summer but don’t let it become an excuse not to train. Try training outdoors when possible. It’s different, interesting and fun. I hope you have the best summer of your life, not as a quitter, but as someone who trains hard to become a winner.

Have a wonderful summer.