# Five Reasons to Suspend Martial Arts Training - Link: https://brianejohns.com/2023/04/27/blog-reasons-to-suspend-martial-arts-training/ - Published: 2023-04-27T11:30:00-04:00 - Author: Brian Johns Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Martial arts training demands unwavering dedication, akin to committing to a lifelong contract. It entails an arduous journey whereby martial artists meticulously refine their skills, contorting their bodies into extraordinary poses through years of practice. Moreover, they skillfully navigate the delicate balance between training, work, and familial responsibilities, as if performing a tightrope act in the circus. Nevertheless, life occasionally necessitates a pause, compelling even the most formidable fighters to set aside their warrior path temporarily. Hence, even the fiercest combatants must occasionally press the halt button on their martial arts odyssey. ## Here are some reasons why: (1) Injury – Martial arts involve a lot of physical activity, and injuries can occur. While many injuries can be treated with rest and proper care, some may require longer recovery. In such cases, suspending training until the injury is fully healed is essential to avoid aggravating the condition. For example, I dislocated my right shoulder after a botched dive roll in the spring of 1986. I spent the entire summer rehabbing my shoulder and didn’t resume training until the following fall. ![This image depicts martial artists practicing jiu jitsu on old mats.](https:// i0.wp.com/brianejohns.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Notre-Dame-Blog.png?resize= 940%2C788&ssl=1) **Me in circa 1986. This is where I dislocated my right shoulder.** (2) Health Issues – In some cases, individuals may experience health issues that make it difficult or unsafe to continue training in martial arts. For example, a heart condition, asthma, or a severe allergy may require individuals to take a break from their training to focus on their health. In addition, I had glaucoma surgery on my right eye in October 2014 and my left eye in January 2015. While this did not prevent me from teaching group classes, I did suspend private lessons and physical training until I got the all-clear from my ophthalmologist. One should listen to your doctor regarding the resumption of physical activity. ## (3) Personal Obligations – Life can sometimes get in the way of martial arts training. Family or work obligations may require individuals to suspend their training temporarily. It’s essential to prioritize these obligations to balance personal and professional life. One example is taking care of an ill member of the family. In my case, my wife and I have been caring for a family member for several years. This family member has had increased medical issues for the past month that required hospitalization a few weeks ago. As a result, we have been spending a good chunk of time at the hospital lately. (4) Burnout – Martial arts training can be physically and mentally demanding. It’s common for individuals to experience burnout and feel exhausted from training. Taking a break can help individuals recharge their batteries and return to training refreshed and with renewed enthusiasm. I have not experienced burnout from martial arts training. But I have had friends who dropped out of martial arts due to burnout issues. But, it was not burnout from martial arts training itself. Instead, it was “burnout” from having too much on one plate. Work, family, other obligations and martial arts may all seem too much for some. As a result, the most expendable activity to shed is…you guessed it, martial arts. ![](https://i0.wp.com/brianejohns.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Burnout.png?resize =560%2C315&ssl=1) **Completely fried** (5) Lack of Motivation – This one is a bit tricky. On the one hand, some students have difficulty motivating themselves to train in the martial arts. How many of you have seen students go through the motions without real motivation? Or students who attend one class per month? ## Let’s face it; it isn’t easy to motivate some students, and not much can be done about them. On the other hand, students may lose motivation due to their instructors not setting clear goals. How are students expected to be motivated if they don’t receive any feedback from the instructors or if the instructors don’t set clear goals? If you’re not able to view this video, click [here](https://youtu.be/wnHW6o8WMas). I hope that this video motivates you! Any of the above is a good reason to suspend your martial arts training. But first, take care of yourself and whatever issue interferes with the martial arts. Then get back into it! ## Have you suspended your martial arts training? If so, let me hear about it and how you resumed training! ## Additional Reading * [7 Killer Reasons To Take Private Lessons](https://brianejohns.com/2015/03/30/blog-7-killer-reasons-to-take-private-lessons/) * [The Benefits of Solo Training](https://brianejohns.com/2023/04/20/blog-the-benefits-of-solo-training-how-to-stay-motivated/) * [Self-Defense Tips for Deaf Individuals](https://brianejohns.com/2023/06/21/self-defense-tips-for-deaf-individuals/) * [Which Technique Is Best?](https://brianejohns.com/2020/01/20/blog-which-technique-is-best/) * [Going Into The Martial Arts Hibernation Season](https://brianejohns.com/2023/11/22/going-into-the-martial-arts-hibernation-season/) ### Share this post: * [ X ](https://brianejohns.com/2023/04/27/blog-reasons-to-suspend-martial-arts-training/?share=twitter) * [ Facebook ](https://brianejohns.com/2023/04/27/blog-reasons-to-suspend-martial-arts-training/?share=facebook) * [ LinkedIn ](https://brianejohns.com/2023/04/27/blog-reasons-to-suspend-martial-arts-training/?share=linkedin) * [ Threads ](https://brianejohns.com/2023/04/27/blog-reasons-to-suspend-martial-arts-training/?share=threads) * [ WhatsApp ](https://brianejohns.com/2023/04/27/blog-reasons-to-suspend-martial-arts-training/?share=jetpack-whatsapp) * [ Email ](https://brianejohns.com/2023/04/27/blog-reasons-to-suspend-martial-arts-training/?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Five%20Reasons%20to%20Suspend%20Martial%20Arts%20Training&body=https%3A%2F%2Fbrianejohns.com%2F2023%2F04%2F27%2Fblog-reasons-to-suspend-martial-arts-training%2F&share=email) * [ Print ](https://brianejohns.com/2023/04/27/blog-reasons-to-suspend-martial-arts-training/#print?share=print) ### Like this: Like Loading… ### _Related_