Is it bad to train even though one is mentally and physically fatigued (perhaps over training?) Or is it a rite of passage? Are there any tips to maximize growth and minimize mental/emotional fatigue? Perhaps a pre-meditation before going into stance training, fists, & forms? I find the more I train in such a mental state the more unmotivated I become. Thanks.

I learned the hard way after many years of traditional Chinese martial arts and taiji that it is not enough to train obsessively.

Training regularly, moderately and scientifically (in terms of modern Western sports medicine) is essential, even when it goes against the traditional wisdom for maintaining a sound body as well as developing combative skills.

Meditation/qigong for health is different from martial qigong; one trains sung and helps to heal and/or strengthen the body (when done properly), the other trains combative focus and intention.

The old saying "No pain, no gain" does not apply when you are worn-out, freshly injured or if you want to train properly.

When you feel tired, it's a good idea to rest.

When you feel lazy, it's a good idea to train.

Hennan. It's difficult to learn when you should push yourself and when you need to ease up. Each of us has to find our own level there. Years ago I aquired several lasting injuries from trying to push too hard or too fast. Now, three decades older I sometimes push even harder, but I have learned better about how to listen to my body.

It can be a problem to learn if the physical problem is lack of physical recovery, mental boredom and lack of motivation, lazyness, fatigue,etc.

There are diferent types of meditation for diferent purposes. Yours may be interferring with rather than enhancing your training. You may be doing the wrong type prior to your workout. Try stopping it or moving it to after the workout.

If you want to continue to enjoy martial arts, uninterrupted, err on the side of caution. These posts may seem like a bunch of old men spinning yarns, but really. Learn as much as is convenient about sports science, take care of yourself, and no symptom is too small to treat. The first law of training is the idea of Supercompensation. In order to get better, you apply a training stimulus. It temporarily reduces your capacity to perform said training action, but then as you recover, you recover briefly above the original line of homeostasis. If you train during this window of time, you will reset the line of homeostasis higher. If you train again too soon however, you restart the recovery line below the line of homeostasis. The result is no improvement and eventually deterioration and injury. So, learn what muscles you are taxingand what energy systems you are using, and find out how long they take to recover. Then rest that long, and if in doubt, give yourself an extra 10-40% rest time. Aspirin, massage, chiropractic care and ice/heat are amazing. A good warm up, and an ample cool down will save your ass. Best of luck brother.
Jason-

You might want to take "gu pi wan" ,a chinese medicine that does wonders in any form of mental fatigue , since it nourishes the spleen. Do not eat too late . Try brown rice congee for breakfast .
Persist ,but be relax ,your only ennemies are overstriving and a lack of common sense . Trust yourself .
Best of luck .
Jacques Doyon .

Try real oatmeal for breakfast (not the instant crap). Scientists are now saying what Scottish grandmothers knew for decades. Oatmeal sticks to your ribs without spiking your suger levels as well as lowering the "bad" cholesterol in the long run.

News Flash: Scottish Grandmothers and Scientists are unaware that the esophagus and stomach do not encase the ribs.

I think you should be kilt.
Bob #2

I plaid innocent!