A new year is, for so many, a time of making new promises and commitments in the hope of breaking free from the vices and bad habits of the previous year. These changes can range from the most trivial to the most life changing. Here at Xen-do we genuinely believe that our composite and accessible training methods can help everyone stay on course in keeping their New Year’s resolutions and achieving their goals in 2016.

Here are the 5 most common New Year’s Resolutions and how Xen-do’s fit-for-life philosophy can help you achieve each one:

1.       Lose Weight: 

Getting into shape, exercising more often and staying fit and healthy is the number one resolution in the UK. According to studies in recent years, one third of the UK population want to achieve this. Master Raf tells us that martial arts, and in particular Xen-do kick-boxing, is the perfect way to achieve this:

 “Without health, life is not life; it is only a state of existing” – Master Raf 2016.

Remember, longevity is the key to continued results, something we pride ourselves on at Xen-do School of Martial Arts.

2.       Eat more healthily: 

This often comes hand in hand with the previous resolution. The problem with trying to eat more healthily is that all the temptation that led us astray previously remains right in front of our noses. So how do we avoid falling back into the old ways?

“If you can’t pronounce it, don’t eat it” – Master Raf 2016

Almost all of our instructors have fought in international kickboxing competitions and a big part of that is eating healthily. Advice has been sought from nutritionists and food experts. Our Senseis are only too willing to pass on their knowledge when it comes to eating right and avoiding flawed fad diets.

3.       Improve your concentration and mental skills: 

In a busy world, it is often difficult to focus your thoughts and objectives. Familiar routines that have become monotonous and repetitive can so often prevent us from realising our full potential and achieving new goals. For many, taking up kickboxing is an exciting new feat in itself and our classes will help you relieve stress and improve your cognitive processes away from the dojo.

“To stay young you have to do new” – Master Raf 2016

4.       Become more confident:

If you are confident in your approach and your manner, you are much more likely to be noticed, have your voice heard and ultimately achieve the success you seek. Martial arts is a fantastic way of breeding confidence and our attainable teachings mean that our students cannot help but leave with a healthy injection of confidence.

“Those who do not find time for exercise will have to find time for illness. Good health is the furnace that forges great confidence. Confidence is the key to achievement.” – Master Raf 2016

As Mahatma Gandhi once said:

“Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it. On the contrary, if I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.” 

5.       Meet new people:

Often, when stuck in a rut, we seclude ourselves in our homes and avoid contact with anything new or unfamiliar. In doing so we are often missing out on many new interesting opportunities.

Part of our philosophy here at Xen-do is to ensure that we create a fun and relaxed atmosphere so that you can train, lose weight and ultimately enjoy yourself. We attract an eclectic group of members, so if you end up making great new friends along the way then this is just another perk to our system.

Master Raf once said that “it takes time, application, dedication and the 10,000 hour rule. (10,000 hours of training) to become a true Master.”  However, as the old proverb tells us, “the journey of 1000 miles starts with but a single step.”

Start your journey at one of our four London locations with a free trial class.  

This article is based on opinion:
– the author is not a qualified doctor or anyone who can dispense medical advice.
– any opinions stated are just that and people should consult a doctor before making any dietary changes or changes of any nature prompted by the articles published by or on behalf of Xen-Do.
– under 16’s please obtain parental permission before posting anything online.