What words of advice would you give a beginner karate student?

Michele of the "Just A Thought" blog asked a question and I wanted to post my comment to the question here:

The question: "Words of Advice for Beginner Karate Students." posted "Just A Thought" blog by Michele; post dtd Thursday, September 22, 2011

My comment:

In a word Michele, "Patience, patience, and when you feel like you have patience - get more patience." Any new endeavor humans enter into is new, exciting and wonderful.

When you mention how "eager they are to move on to the next " I think that this is the most difficult lesson for any martial artist to learn. To learn that this eagerness, although admirable in people, is the biggest detriment to learning the foundation of all martial systems, the fundamental principles of martial systems which includes such things as basics, kata, weapons, etc.

I might add when talking to newbies, "Take some time, relax, let things come in the way of nature - slow, easy and completely." Take your focus away from the future, don't give any time to the past and remain in this present moment learning this particular aspect of your system completely, thoroughly and with awareness.

This is the type of advice I would give to a newbie - patience, patience, patience!