It’s New Year’s resolution season again! Do you have any big martial arts or fitness training goals for 2026? What about smaller ones?
The new year is great for big ideas and big steps. You’ve got a whole new year ahead of you. And a brand new calendar. Everyone is talking about fresh starts, reevaluated priorities, and powerful changes. What better time to take big swings and chasing your wildest dreams?
But little goals matter, too. You don’t have to transform your entire life to meaningfully change it. And every big moment in our lives is made of up the smaller choices and efforts that we made along the way. Smaller resolutions can also help you stay motivated when you’re pursuing those bigger goals because it’s a chance to feel accomplished and celebrates your wins while you’re still working on the longer term stuff.
So if you’re looking to start small with your training goals, or beef up your current resolution roster with a new addition, here are 10 mini New Year’s resolutions that you can try in 2026:
Try one new class.
The kind of class is up to you. It can be a martial art you’ve never tried before, a new level in your current martial art, or a fitness class. All you have to do is commit to one session to give your body and mind a new challenge and new perspective this year.
Try one new technique in sparring.
Logically, most of us know that sparring is where you take what you’ve learned and apply it in practical combat scenarios. But that’s not always easy to remember in the heat of the moment. Sometimes we fall back on our old faithfuls in order to “win” sparring. So why not pick a move that you’ve been afraid to try in sparring, resolve to try it at least once, and see where it takes you?
Take one risk.
We’re not talking about jumping off a building or anything that would risk your wellbeing. Just find one thing you’ve been too insecure to try in your training — whether that’s a new technique or a new tournament — and tell yourself that it’s time to go for it.
Find one new cross-training exercise that can up your game.
Think of an aspect of your physical performance that you’d like to improve this year, like balance, core strength, cardiovascular endurance, or agility. Research exercises that will help you develop it. Pick your favorite and add it to your training routine.
Stretch.
You don’t have to become a yogi overnight. You can start small. Add a stretch or two to the end of your workouts. Throw a mat on the floor when you wake up and do a few minutes of mobility work. Every little bit will help you stay more flexible and limber in your training and daily life.
Clear your mind.
You don’t have to become a zen master, either. You can start small with this, too. Take a couple of minutes to visualize what you want to accomplish before a training session. Take a few moments after you wake up or before you go to sleep to close your eyes and relax your brain. These little mindful moments add up, too, and they can help make you a more focused and clear thinking martial artist this year.
Go for a walk.
Walking doesn’t get nearly enough credit as a physical activity. But it is great form of low impact exercise that can improve everything from your cardiovascular base to your mental focus. And it doesn’t require a ton of extra physical and mental energy, which means you can even do it on your rest and reduced activity days. Even setting aside 5-10 minutes a day for a stroll around the block or a quick treadmill session can improve your game and your life.
Reevaluate your training gear.
Set aside some time to take out all of your training gear and make an honest assessment of it. Take notes of any wear and tear, and repair the gear that you can fix. Donate or sell the gear you don’t want anymore. And say goodbye to the gear that isn’t in fighting shape anymore. Then start making a list of what new gear you’ll need to replace it.
Reevaluate your uniforms.
Go through the same process with your martial arts uniforms and any other apparel you wear for training. Wash everything, then start looking at how well the fabric is holding up. Mend and patch any small wear and tear. Donate or sell any gear that you don’t use anymore if it’s still in good shape. Discard anything that’s beyond repair. Then add any new uniforms and clothing you’ll need to your list.
Do your research.
Don’t just jump into a new gear purchase — unless you know exactly what you want already. If you’re not sure, take some time to think about what it is you’re looking for in new sparring gear, gloves, uniforms, and clothing. Make notes on what has and hasn’t worked for you in the past. Talk to your training partners and see if they have any suggestions. Then head over AWMA.com to start looking at what’s available. When you find the right gear, order away.
