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In our previous post, I talked about breaking through plateaus and how to keep progressing even when you feel stuck. But here’s the thing: pushing through a plateau isn’t just about finding new strategies or techniques. It’s about showing up when you don’t want to, putting in the reps when you’re exhausted, and grinding through the tough days. It’s about discipline.
Because no matter how much you love training in martial arts like Krav Maga, Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu, or traditional martial arts at Cutting Edge Karate & Krav Maga in Woodland Hills, you’re going to have days when you just don’t feel like it. When motivation fades—and it will fade—discipline is what keeps you moving forward.
Discipline vs. Motivation: What’s the Difference?
Motivation is that burst of energy you get when you set a new goal, start a fresh training program, or get inspired by watching a championship fight. But it’s fickle. It shows up strong at the beginning, then disappears just when things start to get tough.
Discipline, however, is showing up and putting in the work regardless of how you feel. It’s what drives you to train when motivation has abandoned you. Discipline is the difference between achieving mastery and falling short. Without it, all the motivation in the world won’t help you get anywhere.
1. Show Up, Even When You Don’t Want To
I’ve had my fair share of days when I didn’t want to train—when it felt like a chore rather than a passion. But the thing is, showing up is more than half the battle. My instructor, Mr. Cox, drilled this into us early on. He had a zero-tolerance policy for excuses. If we showed up late or didn’t know a technique, we couldn’t say “I forgot” or “I was busy.” Those words just weren’t allowed. Instead, we had to respond with “No excuse, sir!” It was his way of teaching us that we control our actions. No excuses meant owning up, showing up, and doing the work, no matter what.
That habit of showing up—no matter how tired, sore, or unmotivated I felt—built a foundation of discipline that kept me going, long after motivation left the building.
2. Create a Routine and Stick To It
The easiest way to build discipline is by setting a consistent routine and sticking to it—no matter what. At Cutting Edge Karate & Krav Maga, we emphasize the power of routine because consistency is what helps you build momentum over time. Whether you’re training in Krav Maga, Jiu Jitsu, or Muay Thai, set a specific schedule and commit to it. Make it non-negotiable. This way, training becomes something your body and mind expect—a natural part of your day, not just something you do when it’s convenient.
3. Remember Your Why
When motivation disappears, your why becomes your anchor. Why did you start training in the first place? Was it to learn self-defense? Get in shape? Build confidence? Keeping your reason front and center is a powerful way to refocus when motivation dips. I’ve seen students transform their entire outlook just by revisiting why they walked through our doors in the first place. Write it down, hang it up, and revisit it every time you start doubting yourself. Remembering your “why” gives you the clarity and resolve to keep moving forward.
4. Master Your Mind: Beat the Excuses
Your mind is a master excuse-maker. It’ll tell you to skip training because you’re too tired, too busy, or not feeling it. Expect those excuses and be prepared to counter them. Make a deal with yourself: just get to the dojo or gym and warm up for 10 minutes. If you still want to leave after that, you can. But most of the time, once you’re there and moving, you’ll end up completing the session—and feeling glad that you did. It’s a trick I’ve used on myself more times than I can count, and it’s saved many sessions that would’ve otherwise been skipped.
5. Build Accountability
At Cutting Edge Karate & Krav Maga, we know that accountability is a game-changer when it comes to staying disciplined. Tell a training partner or instructor that you’ll be at class, or post your training goals publicly. I’ve found that when someone else knows I’m supposed to be there, I’m much less likely to skip out, even on the toughest days. Having that extra layer of accountability, whether from your instructor or training partners, can make all the difference.
6. Focus on the Long Game
Discipline is about playing the long game. It’s not about one training session, one belt, or one win. It’s about committing to your growth over months and years. The greatest martial artists and athletes didn’t achieve mastery because they were motivated all the time—they did it because they kept showing up, kept pushing through, and kept growing long after the excitement faded. Every training session, no matter how small, is a step forward. When you commit to the long game, you realize that every moment counts.
7. Create Discipline in the Little Things
Discipline doesn’t just show up on the mat—it’s built in the little things you do every day. Make your bed every morning. Stick to a clean diet. Stay true to your daily schedule. These small acts of discipline will carry over into your martial arts training and make it easier to push through tough sessions. When you hold yourself accountable in everyday life, it becomes second nature in the dojo. That’s something Mr. Cox taught me early on. He’d remind us that the way we do anything is the way we do everything. Discipline, built through the small habits, shows up when it’s time to train.
Final Thoughts
Motivation is temporary, but discipline is what keeps the fire burning long after that initial spark fades. When you build the habit of showing up and putting in the work—even when you don’t feel like it—you become unstoppable. So, whether you’re training in Krav Maga, Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu, or traditional martial arts, remember this: every time you show up when you don’t want to, you’re taking another step closer to your goals.
In our next post, we’ll discuss how to break through mental barriers using the power of visualization and how it can take your training to new heights. Stay tuned, and get back to work.
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