Become So Disciplined People Call You Crazy — The Samurai Secret to Snooker Success…
Have you ever been told you’re “obsessed” because you do practice that seems crazy to some? Good. You’re in excellent company.
I recently watched a powerful video titled “Become So Disciplined People Call You Crazy (Miyamoto Musashi)”, which dives into the philosophy of Miyamoto Musashi—the legendary Japanese samurai who devoted his life to perfecting his craft. The message was simple yet profound:
I’ve also read his book The Book of Five Rings, and it’s a powerful take on modern day teachings – it encompasses the values of discipline, and focus – for example, in the modern day setting, shining shoes is a discipline, and a focus. It’s something I do every day – not just to keep my shoes in good condition, but, to keep me focused and disciplined.
What do you do during the day that keeps you focused and disciplined?
Japanese Samurai’s used to sit for hours with their Samurai swords and just sit there – visualising it. Maybe it’s something you can practice in small sessions. Sit there with your cue, and focus on the tip. Focus. Focus. Focus.
Mastery demands radical discipline.
Musashi’s discipline made him nearly unbeatable. His relentless training, focus on fundamentals, and mental resilience pushed him to a level few could comprehend. And honestly, that’s the same spirit every great snooker player needs.
So, how does Musashi’s samurai mindset relate to the modern world of snooker?
Radical Discipline on the Baize
1. Practice with Purpose
Musashi practiced sword techniques obsessively until they became pure instinct. In snooker, it’s no different. Some drills might seem monotonous, but that repetition builds the muscle memory needed under pressure.
But playing frames again and again is the only way to improve. Thats what happens down at Oxshott. Play as many frames as you can and you’ll soon notice patterns in frames.
- Long Potting Practice: Routine sessions focusing purely on cue action, alignment, and follow-through.
- Cue Ball Control Drills: Precise exercises to keep the white exactly where you want it after each shot.
- Safety Play: Developing a library of shots for tight situations—an often-overlooked aspect where discipline pays huge dividends.
2. Rituals That Build Focus
Many players have strict routines before matches. Musashi believed ritual sharpened the mind for combat—and snooker is its own kind of battlefield.
- Warm-Up Drills: Familiar sequences that settle nerves.
- Pre-Shot Routine drill: A consistent series of movements and mental checks before striking the cue ball.
- Mental Rehearsal: Visualizing success, rehearsing difficult shots in the mind.
These rituals might look obsessive to outsiders—but they create consistency under stress.
3. Training Off the Table
Musashi didn’t just swing his sword—he studied strategy, read extensively, and trained his body. Similarly, top snooker players work hard beyond the baize:
- Physical Conditioning: Core strength, flexibility, and stamina all influence your cueing stability and concentration over long matches.
- Match Analysis: Reviewing footage, studying opponents, dissecting patterns. This intellectual discipline often separates good players from great ones.
Is “Crazy” Actually the Secret?
Here’s the thing: if you want to improve and become masterful at snooker—or any craft—some people will call you crazy for the level of dedication you show. But that’s the price of greatness.
It’s the reason Judd Trump evolved his game dramatically in recent years. It’s why John Higgins still practices relentlessly, decades into his career. They’ve embraced the “crazy” discipline Musashi preached.
A Challenge for You
If you’re serious about improving your snooker, take one small step today:
- Choose one discipline habit to stick to for 30 days.
For example:
- Spend 15 minutes each day purely on long pots.
- Watch one pro match per week and note shot selections.
- Meditate for 5 minutes before practice to improve focus.
Final Words
Musashi’s words echo through the centuries:
“You must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain.”
Snooker is your mountain. Discipline is the path. Be willing to walk it so thoroughly that people think you’re crazy—because that’s where true mastery lives.
HERE’S THE BOOK OF FIVE RINGS…