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When I first started TKD, my enthusiasm was evident. By the end of my first class, I was already ordering a dobok from my instructor. Every kick I did, I tried 110% & I was proud of every kick & block. Each mistake I rectified by practicing it a hundredfold. I even turned off switches and closed house doors with kicks.

After I got my black belt, I found that the skills to learn & apply are limited. I thought I had learned all that I could. My world has suddenly become smaller. I used to count the days to the next class & putting on my dobok was something I was proud of.

I couldn't believe it then. If there were a statistic count or poll, I daresay that only 3 out of 10 black belts survive to 2nd dan, fewer even to master level. Factors?

- few black belt classes
- change of interest/environment (shift from studying to working)
- shift of priorities
- unclear 2nd dan and above syllabus

I am aware that being a black belt, the responsibilities now change to educating your juniors, assisting in class. But there exists a number of us who just aren't cut out to teach/instruct. What do we do?

Signs you are facing burnout

- no longer looking forward to next class
- dirty uniforms, no rush to the laundry
- uniform scattered carelessly
- don't feel left out although missing one class
- no future objectives or goals
- skipping training for other plans & not feeling guilty
- don't try as hard in drills anymore
- creating excuses to skip training
- sense of relief when class is cancelled

TIPS to overcome burnout
- take a month off training
- re-evaluate what u want to achieve frm training
- talk to your coach to set a target & work towards it (for black belts, try competition, refereeing, coaching)
- give yourself small rewards for attendance & accomplishments in each class
- learn TKD philosophy & apply it to class
- watch inspiring TKD clips & videos
- learn another martial art & apply it to TKD (you'd be surprised, trust me I know)

Someone once told me that it's alright to let go. If all else fails, maybe it is time to let go of TKD & move on.


authored by 
hungheykwun2003