10 Tips to Become a Better Martial Artist.

Commit yourself. Iaido is a traditional martial art, but more importantly, a way of life. Commit to coming to class and working hard the entire time.
Respect the art.  There is no need to be puffed up with pride, show-off, be aggressive, or abuse. We begin every class with a bow and end with a bow. Bowing is a sign of respect and must be carried beyond the dojo to everyday life.
Be early.  When you arrive early, you allow yourself time to stretch, warm-up, and prepare before class begins. The student that shows up on time, or arrives early shows the teacher and themselves that they are committed to and respect the art.

Physical fitness.  We must respect our bodies. Be responsible for your mental and physical well-being and take care of yourself.
Other students. Respect not only your instructors, but other members of your dojo. Listen to those who have more experience and training than you. Take time to observe new students to see how far you’ve come and watch mistakes you made yourself when you first began learning iaido.
Practice at home. Reinforce your training in the dojo by practicing kata and movements at home by yourself. Set a time each day, or even three times a week, to spend thirty minutes training on your own. If this training is simply to gain another rank, then you must find a different school that can accommodate this sort of mentality. If this training is to better yourself and become a more talented martial artist, then you are training for the right reasons.

Cross-train. Participate in other physical activities. Running, hiking, biking, and swimming are valuable for increasing endurance. Participation in other sports or weight-training will increase overall strength, flexibility, and endurance.

Beginner’s spirit. Forget what you’ve learned each time you enter the dojo. Our expectations and preconceptions of things already learned can become our greatest inhibitor. Approach everything as if you are learning it for the first time.

Extra training. Attend all seminars, demonstrations, training camps, and tameshigiri when the opportunity presents itself. Each experience will enrich your training and help you to continue to master the basics.

History matters. Learn about the history and background of iaido. It never hurts to ask your teacher for some book recommendations.