How much is enough?

[Alphabull]

I will try to make this quick and hopefully you guys can help me out. I have never taken any form of martial arts and have the opportunity to enroll in a Pencak Silat class. The class /instructor also incorporates some Bando and Kali in to various classes. My concern is that the class is only 1 day a week and lasts an hour and a half.

My question is ...is this enough time where I will actually be able to make real progress or should I look for something that offers a little more class time since I am a beginner. I like the idea of Silat and Bando since they are multi purpose and provide training in strikes,kicks, and grappling. I also like the idea that not everyone is aware of or studies these arts. Sorry if I rambled and thanks in advance for any responses.

[CCM]

Generally i reckon the more you can train the better, but it doesn't necessarily need to be at a class, you can always practice at home !

In a way going to one a week has its advantages when your a beginner because you have time to perfect what you have learnt between lessons rather than overloading your brain with new techniques.

Also it may be worth checking if the instructor does classes on other nights that may just mean a slightly longer journey for you to get there.

In summary I would definitely give it a go, one hour and a half a week is better than what your doing now.

"Do not fear going forward slowly, fear only to stand still"

CCM

[tauhid_87]

I agree with CCM, I teach once a week to beginners.... Practice , Practice always.....
Tauhid_87

[pesilat]

I will try to make this quick and hopefully you guys can help me out. I have never taken any form of martial arts and have the opportunity to enroll in a Pencak Silat class. The class /instructor also incorporates some Bando and Kali in to various classes. My concern is that the class is only 1 day a week and lasts an hour and a half.

My question is ...is this enough time where I will actually be able to make real progress or should I look for something that offers a little more class time since I am a beginner. I like the idea of Silat and Bando since they are multi purpose and provide training in strikes,kicks, and grappling. I also like the idea that not everyone is aware of or studies these arts. Sorry if I rambled and thanks in advance for any responses.

As everyone else has said, once a week is fine. That's all I currently teach in group classes - I do have a couple of private students, too. But as others have pointed out, the number of classes you have isn't as important as the time you put in on your own. As long as you take it slowly so you don't program in bad habits then you'll do just fine.

When I started training in Kali and Silat I lived 2.5 hours away from my instructor. I drove over each weekend to attend the Saturday class (which was only 1.5 hours in duration, as yours is). I'd get together with other people in the class and work on stuff before or after class when I could. Then drove back to go to work on Monday. During the week, I'd work my butt off reviewing and working the material I'd been taught - and I figured out some creative methods of training some of the material since it was usually done with a partner that I usually didn't have. Then, once a month, I'd take a private with my instructor. With that method, I managed to keep up with the rest of the class (who all lived closer and trained 2 - 3 classes / week). I did that for a year before I gave up, quit my job, sold my trailer and moved closer to my instructor :)

It was hard work, certainly. But it worked just fine. The key is in your own personal dedication and incentive to put the time in outside of class. I would recommend an occasional private lesson with the instructor. It can make worlds of difference. Most instructors offer private lessons. The price may seem expensive at first but when you realize that what you get in a one hour private is usually worth a month of regular group classes, it makes the price seem much less steep.

Mike

[rizal]

I think always in quality instead of quantity. You can spend up to 2 hours training 7 days a week yet won't progress much if you learn under an instructor with limited understanding of his art or how to teach the art.
(This is not limited to Silat) If you want to learn an Art, the first thing you do is to ask permission to observe the class. Ask around, from the entry-level students to the senior-most students, how the instructor teach. does he/she understand his students strengths and weaknesses. If he combined some elements of other martial arts, asked him/her why.
I found that the best instructors always glad to share their knowledge. They will also understand that no one practicioner is alike and able to adjust their arts to suit his/her students.
Hope this helps.

[amirul_tekpi79]

Peace to all,

My instructor once told me to never get bored with silat. What he meant was to train and become enthusiastic in silat to a certain point. Do not get too 'over-trained' or 'over-enthusiastic' with the knowledge that you have. Always remember that there are more stuff to learn! :cool:

Peace

[Wali]

Also put the silat training into context, and never neglect your family over a martial art. When you do, then you know you are over doing it.

[Silatyogi]

I agree if you can't pay your bills or eat or you are not offering time to your loved ones you are over training!

Even if you do 5 minutes a day with the right intent you can advance in your practice. One of my teachers said to visualize your djurus at night before you go to bed. Another one Said to visualize you motions as you go for a walk.

Good luck!
-santi

[pgm316]

Still, one and a half hours a week is not much! Double your training and halve the time! ;)

If you have free time why not fill it with some other martial art? maybe something different like boxing or Judo for example. I'm sure they would be complementary and make you a better all round martial artist.

[Sgt_Major]

I do my juru's sitting at my desk in work...... obviously only the upper body parts, but i let my mind do my footwork instead....