ATTITUDE is a key in studying Martial Arts

An old story might tell you some of the mindset you ought to apply when studying martial arts

A young boy traveled across Japan to the school of a famous martial artist. When he arrived at the dojo he was given an audience by the Sensei

Master:"What do you wish from me?" the master asked. 

Boy: "I wish to be your student and become the finest martial artist in the land," the boy replied.

Boy: "How long must I study?" 

Master: "Ten years at least," the master answered.

Boy: "Ten years is a long time," said the boy. "What if I studied twice as hard as all your other students?"

Master:"Twenty years," replied the master. 

Boy: "Twenty years! What if I practice day and night with all my effort?" 

Master: "Thirty years," was the master's reply. 

Boy: "How is it that each time I say I will work harder, you tell me that it will take longer?" the boy asked. 

("The answer is clear. When one eye is fixed upon your destination, there is only one eye left with which to find the Way.")

its the attitude, a student that is truly open to learning will go farther in less time than one that is only concentrating on their rank. Those that are open don't ask the question because the rank isn't considered a goal but merely a step along the path to the goal that will never be reached.

The true goal is the journey (continual training) rather than the destination (rank).

Any student expecting something is going to be sadly disappointed. The students that do the best are the ones that show up, keep their mouths shut, and train. They are always humble. They never brag. They never go around telling others, "I'm a this and that belt, I won the fight, ...etc". They are the first to come to class and the last to leave. They are always more interested in their training and helping others, than in being rewarded. Training is never a competition to them. It is a personal battle with themselves. It is a way to perfect Life Protection, while being a tool to "Kill their own ego". Their training is "Never a Weapon", It is a tool to become a better person.