Retrace

“Retrace your steps” is often the first thing that comes to mind for most people when they lose something, forget something, or anything of the like. Often, retracing your steps is used as a method to try and find something, but it can also be used to get you on the right path. 

Sometimes in classes, I find I can’t quite perform a technique the way I want to. I may have been doing it perfect the day before, but for some reason it isn’t working out for me that day. A remedy I’ve been using to fix this is retracing my steps.  First, I identify what my problem is, and if it’s a simple tweak in my stance or my balance I have to fix. If it isn’t as simple as that, I start to recall each and every repetition I did between where I last had my technique where I wanted it to be, and where I am now. Then I try to mentally trace the decline in the techniques; maybe I noticed my leg getting lower with each kick, or my back foot coming in narrower and narrower with each bow stance. If I think I found something, I apply it to my technique and see if it feels better. It might take a couple tries, but I find this helps break bad habits, and is also good for improving my eye for detail. 

Different things work better for different people. It’s important to find what works best for you.