Happy New Year everybody! We're already two weeks into the new year. Hard to believe, right? I've been thinking how time flies, and how important the small everyday routines and practices are for making progress in a focused direction. There's a lot of talk and discussion about discipline, but I like to emphasize the value of "routine" instead of discipline. I used to think discipline was the key, but once discipline fails, progress and mindset can weaken and fall apart. Last week's discipline can turn into this week's regrets. I've had the greatest success with progress and training when I've incorporated into my everyday routine. For example, when I'm in the kitchen getting a snack I practice classical movement, becoming light and relaxed, and moving with proper balance and alignment. I started doing that ever since I began training in Nami Ryu in 2008. Every time I'm in the kitchen, I automatically go into classical movement without thinking about it. It's like brushing my teeth before going to work or bed. What are your thoughts on discipline versus routine. For those of you who are new to the study of kenjutsu, have you started to incorporate any routines in your training?