Steve
Mostly Harmless
Fair warning, I am going to pick some nits, here.
I alluded to this earlier. In the context of this thread, my impression is that when the term "train like a professional" is used, it refers to an actual professional. Someone who uses martial arts as a part of their profession. This could be a cop or a soldier, but it really sounds like what people have in mind is an actual, professional fighter. Whether that's a professional boxer, MMAist, Muay Thai, K1, TKD. An actual pro athlete.
It just boils down to, I don't think training "like a pro" is the same as being "professional." Doing something in a "professional" manner is independent of the task. If you go to class prepared, on time and ready to go, you are being professional. If you stay on task, don't goof off, don't distract other people and work diligently on your own self development, you are being professional. These are all things that are independent of the task. So, if this is what is meant by "training like a professional," sure. I get it. I just don't think that "being professional" about your training and "training like a professional" are the same thing. I think they're different.
And it really seems to me that, in this thread, most people have in mind a professional athlete. If they don't, my bad. Just my impression. In this regard, you're absolutely right in that intensity and focus are part of the cocktail. My point is that time and commitment are also a fundamental part of that equation. I don't know how a school with no actual professionals could evaluate whether their level of intensity or focus rises to that of a pro. I do know that, even where people train alongside pros, if intensity and focus are similar, the main difference is commitment.
To be clear, this is just my opinion. Not intended to try and change anyone's minds.
