Level One: Focusing Concentration

“Focus is the foundation of all learning, leadership, and success.
What you focus on, you feel; what you focus on, you move toward.”

The Purpose of Level One

Level One of Focus is where every student begins — learning to concentrate.
On the surface, it looks simple: stand still, look at your instructor, listen, and follow directions. But underneath that practice is something much more powerful.

When we train concentration, we’re training the mind to be present — to choose what deserves our attention and to give that attention fully.

Focus is the starting point of all mastery. Whether it’s martial arts, academics, work, or relationships, the ability to concentrate on what matters in the moment determines the quality of every result that follows.

The Four Laws of Concentration

In every KMMA class, you’ll hear the instructor call out:
“Focus your eyes! Focus your ears! Focus your mind! Focus your body!”

These are the Four Laws of Concentration — simple words, but powerful in practice.
They’re not just commands for the mat; they are principles for life.

Let’s explore each one.

Law #1: Focus Your Eyes

Your eyes are your first tool of attention. Where they go, your energy follows.

In martial arts, this means watching the instructor, the target, or the opponent with complete concentration. A student who lets their eyes wander loses awareness — and awareness is the first line of defense.

In life, “focusing your eyes” means choosing what you look for.
We can always find what’s wrong, what’s missing, or what’s negative — but a Blackbelt Leader learns to train their vision on what’s right, what’s possible, and what’s good.

When you focus your eyes on opportunities instead of obstacles, you literally begin to change what your brain and heart perceive as possible.

Blackbelt Lesson: You always have a choice — to see what’s wrong or to see what’s right. Choose vision over criticism, and you’ll see possibilities others miss.

Applications:

• In school: Watch the teacher; train your eyes to stay on the speaker, the board, or the assignment.
• In leadership: Focus your eyes on the goal, not the distraction.
• In relationships: See the good in others and call it out — that’s what grows.

Prepare To Live; Empower To Lead!

Grand Master Stephen J Del Castillo

8th Degree Blackbelt, Author, MBA, Founding Master Instructor, KMMA

TampaKravMaga.com – StephenDelCastillo.com

Author of Developing Your Superpowers

Check out the Meditations On Mastery Blog and Podcast too!