Western and Eastern cultures are very different in their approaches
to learning. So, is one better than the
other to learn martial arts? Let’s look at two key differences.
1. Process Oriented vs Goal Oriented
In Eastern culture, the process of learning is valued. And it is actually acceptable to struggle, because it is part of the process. In Western culture, we value the results and sometimes use struggles as an excuse to stop. In Western culture, we set goals and stay focused to meet those goals. When I have mentioned I study martial arts, the first question I am usually are asked are “What is your rank?” Or “Are you a Black Belt”?
So, which one is better to learn martial arts?
I think there is value in both. Setting goals and working towards those goals can be very motivating and keep people focused. However, if you do not take time to understand the journey/the path you took towards your goal you may have missed out on some key principles, thoughts, or different concepts you may not have otherwise discovered. If though, you let struggles lead you to stop, or quit trying something, then you may also never reach your goal. The other potential issue is if you think a goal is a stopping place. If the goal is to only achieve a Black Belt, for instance, you may not realize the true benefits of studying a martial art long term.
2. Self-Discovery vs Taught
In Eastern culture, the instructor does not explain how or why you just practice over and over and over again until you understand the concept. Mr. Kim did not explain why you were supposed to do anything - he would just say do this or do that. If a student tried to ask him why, he would not answer and just reiterate the need to practice. This is the Eastern way of teaching. Eventually, you would understand through doing some concept or principle after practicing 1,000 or 10,000 times. In Western Culture, teachers explain more the how and the why. And we encourage students to ask questions as part of the learning process. In fact, in school today students are expected to explain how they solved a math problem in words or explain to others students so they can ask questions.
So, which one is better to learn martial arts?
I think there is value in both. In practicing over and over again, you can gain more proficiency. And when in self-discovery mode, you are probably ready for the information. Sometimes, we are told concepts (even over and over again) but it does not click. But when you are practicing and working critically through the techniques and finally get it, it is probably because you were ready to learn it. I have had students come and tell me - you know that thing you have been trying to tell me, well I was working on this form and finally got it. In addition, understanding the why and being able to explain it may provide you a deeper knowledge of the form, the technique, the concept. And, each student learns and takes in information differently, so if an instructor only explains the what, students may not learn at all or give up before learning.
So, for me, whether you continue to learn and grow through continually setting new and different goals, through the process, through doing a technique a thousand times, by studying the how and why, or all of the above, it does not matter as much as the fact you continue and don’t stop.
Regards,
Kelly
"A student's mentality in learning martial arts is to overcome one's problems." ~ Ip Chun (1924-present), Wing Chun master, son to Ip Man who was Bruce Lee’s Wing Chun teacher
References:
1. Does the Difference
Between Eastern and Western Learning Styles Impact English Study
Practices? — LinguaLinkDC, retrieved 5/5/23
