As you move up in rank in martial arts, the more
knowledge and experience of the art form you are expected to obtain and demonstrate.
You will continue to learn during classes from
listening and learning from what the instructor says and does, and emulating
it.
However, your learning will be limited if these are
the only times you are studying or learning about martial arts and
self-defense.
You can and will also learn from watching other
students. You can learn from demonstrating and explaining techniques, concepts,
and ideas to others.
You can learn from the masters like Bruce Lee, Gichin
Funokoshi, Ueshiba Morihei by studying videos of them, reading about them or reading
books published by them.
You can learn from other martial arts instructors
teaching a similar art form (whether taking classes or reading their books,
blogs, podcasts or watching their videos).
You can learn by watching videos of street attacks and
studying what works and what does not.
And while you can study fight scenes in movies as well, most of the
attacks or moves are not very realistic so keep that in mind.
However, where you are really going to learn more is
from yourself – through your own self-training.
By studying yourself and knowing yourself. This includes, but not limited to: what techniques you need to spend more time on,
where you need to practice more; experimenting with applications and movement
to learn how to best perform the techniques and when they are more effective for
you; and understanding how and why you react to certain perceived threats.
I have learned a significant amount about the art form
from my instructors and am very grateful for the knowledge they passed on to
me. I have learned a great deal by
studying masters and like-minded martial artists. However, I have learned as much, if not more,
by spending time exploring and studying the movements, applications and energy
and then experimenting with a partner to explore and understand why techniques
are effective and how to make them more effective for me.
Just being told the what, the why and how can provide
you knowledge, but will not provide you the experience or wisdom necessary to
master the art form and reach higher level ranks. That you must gain through your own
self-discovery. As you move up in rank,
expect instructors to spend less time just giving you answers. They expect you to come to them with what you
have discovered and experienced yourself to get clarification.
Take it from me, the journey is worth it.
Regards,
Kelly
“The instructor can only impart a small
portion of the teaching. Only through ceaseless training can you obtain the
necessary experience allowing you to bring these mysteries alive. Hence, do not
chase after many techniques – one by one make each technique your own.” ~ Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), founder of
Aikido
