At Rising Dragon School, discipline isn't just a principle—it's a way of life. Every student who attends RDS begins their day with the mandatory 5:30am morning circuit, a physically and mentally demanding session that pushes participants to their limits. But what sets RDS apart from other martial arts schools isn't just this unique and challenging routine—it's the leadership and example set by Scott Bird, the school's founder.
The Personal Commitment of a Leader
For nearly two decades, Scott Bird has woken up at 0430 every single day, without fail. Before leading the 0530 circuit, he dedicates time to his own meditation practice, cultivating the inner calm and mental resilience needed to guide his students. This daily ritual is a testament to the high level of discipline that Scott embodies, setting the bar for every student who walks through the doors of RDS.
Leading by example, Scott shows that mastering martial arts is about more than physical prowess—it’s about mastering the mind and committing to a routine, no matter how tough it may seem. His dedication ensures that students don’t just follow a training schedule; they adopt a disciplined mindset that helps them succeed both on and off the training grounds.
The RDS Morning Circuit: A Unique Challenge
RDS students mastering discipline - our morning circuit sets us apart, every day begins with a 1-hour, 0530 morning circuit, and no two mornings are the same. Each session is designed to push limits and build not only physical strength but also mental toughness. Students can expect a combination of calisthenics, partner carries, bear crawls, running, sprints, core work, and carrying objects. The varied nature of these workouts ensures that no one can predict what’s coming next, keeping both mind and body sharp and adaptable.
Whether it’s sprinting up hills, dragging tires, or carrying a fellow student, each exercise challenges students to dig deeper and find that extra reserve of strength. The intensity of these sessions is unparalleled; no other martial arts school in China has such a demanding early morning start. This is one of the core elements that sets RDS apart and contributes to its reputation for building not just skilled martial artists, but highly disciplined and mentally resilient individuals.
Why Mental Resilience is Crucial in Martial Arts
The 0530 start is about more than just physical training—it’s about building mental resilience. Martial arts demand focus, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. These skills are developed during the early morning circuits when students are required to push through discomfort, fatigue, and sometimes even self-doubt. It's during these moments that mental toughness is cultivated.
By consistently rising early and facing the unknown challenges of each day’s workout, students learn how to handle stress, adapt under pressure, and remain disciplined, no matter how difficult the task. This mindset carries over into every aspect of martial arts practice, from perfecting a form to remaining calm during combat.
What Sets RDS Apart
There are countless martial arts schools across China, but Rising Dragon School is different. The combination of Scott Bird’s personal commitment to daily discipline and the rigorous 0530 circuit creates a unique environment that challenges students to reach new heights. No other school requires such an early, intense start, making RDS a truly transformative experience for anyone who joins.
At RDS, students aren’t just learning fancy shaolin forms and techniques; they are developing the discipline and mental resilience to overcome any obstacle, both on the mat and in life. The morning circuits serve as a daily reminder that success comes from hard work, dedication, and the willingness to push beyond perceived limits.
The Long-Term Benefits of Mental Resilience
Training at RDS doesn't just prepare students for martial arts competitions or self-defense—it prepares them for life. The mental resilience developed through these rigorous routines builds a stronger, more focused mind. Whether it’s dealing with personal challenges, staying calm under pressure, or achieving long-term goals, the lessons learned during those early morning circuits have lasting effects.
Students leave RDS with more than just martial arts skills; they leave with the ability to face any challenge with discipline, resilience, and determination. The 0530 start is tough, but it’s precisely this difficulty that makes it so valuable.
RDS - Only for the serious!
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