Amir Khan’s 5 Tips For Martial Arts Newcomers
Amir Khan has been competing in ONE Championship since September 2014 when he starched Jian Kai Chee at ONE: RISE OF THE KINGDOM in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
It’s safe to say Khan knows a thing or two about training in martial arts. So, who better to offer up advice to new students than the Singaporean knockout artist?
Here, the Evolve MMA standout shares five tips to help martial arts beginners in the gym.
#1 Respect The Process
Khan’s first piece of martial arts advice is this: In order to get better, you’ll need to train every day – but you must also treat your training with the utmost respect.
According to the Singaporean star, doing so is the only way you’ll achieve more than what you might think is possible.
“Training is sacred. You have to be dedicated to getting better each day. That’s what it means to be a true martial artist,” he says.
“You put in the work, you reap the results. Sometimes things get hard, but you have to push through it both mentally and physically. You have to will yourself to get up every day and put yourself through the paces. Push yourself to the limit, and discover what you are capable of. Over time, you’ll improve drastically.”
#2 Start Simple
Khan recommends that new martial artists not spread themselves too thin by training in multiple disciplines.
Instead, he thinks you should take the time to learn the basics of one art, and then use those skills in your overall game.
“Each martial arts discipline has unique combat sciences and techniques,” Khan says.
“The striking in boxing, for example, is vastly different from the techniques found in Muay Thai. They may appear similar, but as you train in both, you’ll learn they are different. Try to find out what works best for you and apply it to your unique fighting style.”
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#3 Focus On The Present
It’s easy to arrive at the gym carrying the weight of the world with you. You might have school, work, kids, or social obligations on your mind – and all of those can interfere with your training.
But in order to get the most out of your time on the mats, Khan suggests that you put everything else to the side and focus completely on the lessons.
“Whenever I’m in the gym, I’m zeroed in on improving every aspect of my game,” he says.
“If you’re mentally distracted during training, it won’t be as effective. I make it a point to start my training sessions by clearing my mind and getting myself mentally prepared. It really helps a lot to just take a few minutes to tune out all the noise and just focus on the task at hand.”
After all, martial arts and mental health go hand-in-hand – the more you train, the more you can focus.
#4 Pay Attention
Take Khan’s approach to training, and listen to your coaches. You might not need their in-ring expertise if you’re training just for fun, but a lot of what they say is meant to help your technique and skills in the gym.
“I’m lucky training here at Evolve because there are just so many great World Champions to learn from. It’s been an absolute honor training beside them and learning all that I can,” Khan says.
“Having these guys I call my brothers in my corner, it’s invaluable. In a fight, it’s tough in between rounds where you have to make adjustments. Good thing I have another set of eyes watching from the corner that can help me make changes mid-fight. It’s critical to victory.”
Even if you’re seeking a victory in your life, be like Khan and listen to those who know best.
#5 Stay Disciplined – Wherever You Are
Just because your training session is over, doesn’t mean your drive to be better should end. Instead, take what you learn in the gym and apply it to your life away from the mats.
“What you do outside of the gym is just as important as what you do inside of it. Every choice you make affects your success,” Khan says.
“Keep a level head. Make the right decisions when it comes to your health and well-being. Fuel yourself with proper nutrition and the energy you need to perform at your peak. Get enough rest every day to prepare for intense training sessions. Stay disciplined, even when no one is watching.”
