Best Practices for Jeet Kune Do Practitioners in Singapore: Habits to Maximize Your?Training
Jeet Kune Do (JKD) is more than just a martial art; it’s a philosophy of efficiency, adaptability, and mastery. Whether you’re a dedicated JKD student or someone exploring various martial arts styles in Singapore, there are universal habits and practices that elevate your training. In this article, I want to share some of the best practices that have transformed not only my own JKD journey but have also helped me get the most out of any discipline or skill I choose to pursue.
These principles are not limited to JKD. Whether it’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, or even non-martial skills like business or public speaking, these habits apply universally. They’re about maximizing efficiency, respecting the teacher’s time, and ultimately accelerating your growth.
1. Arrive Early and Prepare
Arriving early isn’t just about punctuality; it’s about intention. I make it a habit to get to class at least 15 minutes before the start. This gives me time to warm up, mentally prepare, and center myself before diving into the lesson. Think of it as calibrating your system to maximize your receptivity. If you show up just on time or even late, you’re not just behind physically?—?you’re behind mentally.
When I step onto the mat or into the training space, I want to be fully present. This early preparation allows me to leave behind the distractions of the day and shift into a focused, learning-oriented mindset. Ask yourself, do you arrive to train or do you arrive to learn?
2. Take Notes Immediately After Class
I learned early on that memory is unreliable. You can have an incredible class, where every technique feels clear, but by the time you’re home, half of it is already slipping away. I’ve made it a habit to take notes right after class. Not hours later?—?immediately after.
Whether it’s jotting down techniques, concepts, or sparring feedback, having these notes helps solidify the information in my mind. It’s like planting seeds; the more details I capture, the better the harvest when I review later. Over time, this habit builds a personal library of knowledge and insight that you can refer back to. Think of it as your own martial arts journal. How detailed are your notes after training? How much of today’s lesson will you remember in a week?
3. Record Your Sessions for Video Feedback
If you’re not already recording your sparring sessions or technique drills, you’re missing out on one of the most valuable tools for improvement. I often set up my phone on a tripod or ask a partner to record certain segments of the class. Watching yourself on video reveals things you never notice in the moment: posture issues, bad habits, or even moments where you excelled but didn’t fully realize.
The camera doesn’t lie, and it’s a great way to spot patterns that need correction. It also helps when you have a one-on-one session with your teacher; instead of describing a problem, you can show them exactly what’s happening. This makes your feedback loop much faster and more precise. Are you willing to confront your mistakes on video, or do you prefer to avoid seeing yourself under that kind of scrutiny?
4. Set Clear Goals Before Each Class
Every class is an opportunity, and I’ve found that setting a clear goal for each session maximizes that opportunity. For example, if we’re doing sparring drills, I might decide to focus on improving my footwork or on applying a specific technique I’ve been working on. With a focus like this, every movement I make is deliberate, and I’m not just going through the motions.
It’s easy to let the teacher or the curriculum dictate your path, but taking ownership of your own development is key. Think about your last class: did you go in with a goal, or did you just flow with what was given? If you want to accelerate your growth, start planning your objectives ahead of time. This habit also helps to track progress because you can clearly see whether you’ve achieved your specific aims over time.
5. Review and Refine at Home
One-on-one time with your instructor is precious and limited. I’ve seen too many people show up to these sessions without having done the groundwork. If we’re constantly rehashing the basics or correcting simple mistakes that could have been resolved on my own time, then I’m wasting both my time and my instructor’s.
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I make sure to practice what I’ve learned at home?—?whether it’s shadowboxing, footwork drills, or solo techniques. By the time I meet my instructor, I want to be prepared to move on to higher-level concepts, not repeat the same old steps. Think of your home as your personal dojo. It’s where you work out the kinks and refine the techniques before testing them in class.
Do you show up to class to be spoon-fed, or do you come prepared to elevate? Remember, the true work happens when no one is watching.
6. Ask Questions?—?But Only After You’ve Tried
Singapore has a rich JKD scene, and the community is fantastic. But one thing I see often is students asking too many questions before they’ve even tried the technique themselves. There’s a difference between asking to understand and asking out of hesitation.
I’ve learned to work through a technique a few times before approaching my instructor with a question. This way, I come from a place of experience, and I can be specific about what’s challenging me. It shows the teacher that I’ve put in the effort, and it allows us to focus on fine-tuning rather than starting from scratch. Do you ask for help too early, or do you push yourself to explore and experiment first?
7. Reflect on the Main Points After Class
It’s easy to get caught up in the details of a class?—?foot positioning, hand movements, timing?—?but I always take a moment at the end of every session to think about the bigger picture. What was the main takeaway today? Was it a concept, like intercepting at the right moment, or was it a new application of a technique? I reflect on this before I leave the training space so it stays fresh in my mind.
Think of it as mental digestion. Just like how food needs to settle before your body can absorb the nutrients, concepts from class need a moment to settle before they become part of your skill set. I do this reflection while stretching or cooling down, letting my mind absorb what my body just practiced. How often do you leave class without processing the lesson’s essence?
8. Respect Everyone’s Time?—?Including Your Own
The JKD journey in Singapore, or anywhere for that matter, demands a lot of commitment. We all have busy lives?—?work, family, social obligations?—?but when I commit to training, I make sure that time is respected. This means coming prepared, being focused during class, and not wasting time on trivialities.
At the same time, I recognize that my own time is valuable too. If I’m not getting what I need out of a session or if I feel like I’m not being challenged, I take a step back and reassess. Sometimes, that means seeking out a different teacher, training partner, or even style to keep myself sharp. Your time and energy are finite; how will you invest them?
Conclusion: Stay Hungry, Stay Humble
Ultimately, the best practices I’ve shared are about taking ownership of your martial arts journey. Whether you’re practicing JKD in Singapore or exploring other disciplines, these habits are about maximizing efficiency, ensuring that you don’t waste valuable time, and continuously evolving. Jeet Kune Do is, at its core, a philosophy of adaptability and personal growth. The more we optimize our habits and stay open to improvement, the more effective and fulfilled we become, both on and off the mat.
Are you ready to take your training to the next level? Are you willing to put in the work when no one is watching? Let’s refine our journey together.