A martial art is a
physical experience. You learn the
techniques and forms by performing the techniques. You become proficient in
self-defense and sparring by practicing. So what are the benefits of researching it
beyond the physical? What is important
about the principle, concept or history that could help one learn the
techniques better, more thoroughly, than just performing the techniques over
and over and over again until they are mastered?
Let me be clear
that researching the art form can take the form of reading, watching videos,
“playing” with techniques to understand the applications and how you would best
use them in a situation, talking and sharing your philosophy and understanding
the art form with others.
I agree you cannot
learn martial arts only by reading books or watching videos, etc. I would also contend
you cannot master martial arts without researching it beyond just practicing
the physical.
So what benefits
can I gain from reading books? For one,
I think reading books from the master’s before us reinforces or exposes us to
the essence of why martials arts was developed and it’s true nature. It provides insights into applications and
why techniques are performed a certain way.
It adds context.
Some things I have
learned from studying the art form:
- From tracing the lineage of the forms of the Han Moo Kwan style I
discovered the intent of the forms and what the master’s wanted student’s
to learn from them. (For more on the origins of the Han Moo Kwan forms,
refer back to the February, March, and April 2010 blogs).
- From researching application of techniques I have discovered insights
into what the masters were thinking behind the concept of each form and
the benefits and challenges in performing the techniques.
- By discussing the art form philosophy and principles with senior
black belts and the Board of Directors I have a better appreciation and understanding
of what Mr. Kim’s intent was and therefore can better preserve his legacy.
- From researching the techniques, I have learned why techniques are
effective; I have learned how to best apply them (in various scenarios, etc.).
- By researching the art form, I have can better discern when I am not performing the technique well (when it does not feel right) and how to self-correct as opposed to needing someone else to tell me.
By researching the
art form, I have learned how to Make It My Own, analyzing my strengths,
spending time to understand when I would react under various scenarios to know
what my tactics and strategies would be.
(For more on Making It Your Own, refer back to the September 2014 blog).
I think one of the
most important aspects of researching the art form is it reinforces constant learning
which is critical to learning and growing as a martial artist and eventually
mastering an art form.
Regards,
Kelly
"Given enough
time, any man may master the physical. With enough knowledge, any man may
become wise. It is the true warrior who can master both....and surpass the
result." ~ Tien T'ai, school of Buddhism
