Intent is the Secret Sauce

\In*tent”\, a. [L. intentus, p. p. of intendere. See
{Intend}, and cf. {Intense}.]

1. Closely directed; strictly attentive; bent; — said of the
mind, thoughts, etc.; as, a mind intent on self-improvement.

2. Having the mind closely directed to or bent on an object;
sedulous; eager in pursuit of an object; — formerly with
to, but now with on; as, intent on business or pleasure.
“Intent on mischief.” –Milton.

Watch this video.  In it you will notice that when people attack they have the intent to poke the other person in the torso with the wooden training weapon.   And since the defending person  fears the discomfort, this practice is real.

Intent is the secret sauce.

This is true in martial arts and in life.  Whatever it is that you’re doing, you need to have the intent to get it done.  In other words, you may laugh and joke all you like, but do not play.

If somebody is accused of murder, the prosecution must prove intent.  Did the accused have a plan?  Did he or she lay in wait?  At any point was there hesitation?  Did he or she ignore one or more opportunities to turn away from the act?

If somebody has the intent to harm you, you better have the intent to get home safely.

Learn this in martial arts class and then manifest it in your personal life, at your job and at home.  Have the intent to get a promotion at work and you might get one.  Have the intent to hit a financial goal — like saving up the money for a new kitchen, getting your car note paid off early, etc. — and you might get there.

But if you just play at it?  Success is unlikely.

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