“Good training is not free, and free training is not good.” This quote pertains to far much more than the financial cost of Martial Arts. If you want to be successful (good) at anything, you must apply yourself. Go all in. This, more often than not requires sacrifice and change. Change is never easy, but growth requires change.
I often speak to people who want to train at Jedi but are looking for success without sacrifice. I am asked what is the minimum amount they should train per week. My answer is always, that you get out what you put in. While training 1-2 times per week is far better than not at all – a good starting place is 3-4 times per week. If the person wants to compete, I suggest 5-6 times per week with additional physical training thrown in as well. Life happens and not everyone is able to commit 5-6 days due to family or career obligations. This is understandable, but to be a successful parent, employee, etc, - you must take care of your own health first, both mentally and physically. Training 3-4 times per week can help accomplish this, whereas once per week (still better than none) is not going to provide the escape and endorphins required to be the best you can be.
This time of year, the fitness industry picks up due to “new year, new me” resolutions. It is great to help anyone out on their journey, but ultimately that journey is up to the individual and what they are willing to sacrifice and commit. This certainly means time and effort as well as committing financially. A good coach has had to sacrifice far more than most students can even begin to comprehend. Thus it is often difficult for the coach to understand the lack of desire to sacrifice. We must understand the persons challenges to have realistic expectations. Thus having a good rapport with students/clients is necessary. It also helps having a strong community around you for support. To build that community requires sacrifice. If you want help, help someone else. That community is not built overnight and may take a while for an individual to assimilate. To fit in, will require effort and the effort is certainly worth it. Having a healthy, clean, nurturing environment also requires sacrifice and effort. Factor in inflation, and rising utility costs and your local gym is likely suffering. Thus when someone asks what is the minimum that they need to contribute, that school owner and coach may have challenges understanding.
In the end, our goal is always self-improvement. If you want to improve yourself, plan on sacrifice. It is not easy but it is certainly worth it in the end.