Things what I have learned

Discussion in 'General Martial Arts Discussion' started by Smitfire, Dec 20, 2018.

  1. Smitfire

    Smitfire Cactus Schlong

    So I got to thinking the other day about martial arts forums like MAP and how they have helped me over the years (many years now). Helped me to formulate ideas or thoughts. Helped me understand concepts and principles. So I thought I'd get some thoughts down (in no particular order) and also see what other people have gained from discussions on MAP and other places.

    No training is real. Only reality is real. Some training can be more "realistic" than others but it's all just an approximation.

    Leading on from that any training you do do, if it is for "reality", must triangulate towards reality from several directions without ever actually landing on it. No one thing or approach will address it fully.

    Every drill or method (including all forms of sparring) have intentional flaws or failings in order to be safe or sustainable. If you aren't training for a specific rule set or situation you need to be aware of those flaws and counteract them with other drills (or training methods or sparring formats) that don't have that flaw (but will in turn have flaws of their own that need addressing).

    Training with resistance and pressure does not mean resisting or adding pressure all the time. It can be varied as needed and should ideally be progressive in nature. Resistance being present all the time can be a problem as can no resistance at all.

    The best forms of training are ones that directly address your goals. You don't automatically get "by-product" skills by training for something else. If you want to have self defence skills then train for self defence. If you want to train to compete in BJJ then train for that. Some forms of training do have cross over into other areas but if you have a certain skill or goal in mind it's best to address that directly.

    If you enjoy something in the martial arts then it is worthwhile you doing it for that reason alone. No matter what anyone else says. BUT you must be honest and clear about why you are doing something and what it is good for.

    Most people are more likely to suffer the ill effects in later life of a sedentary lifestyle than a physical attack so ideally training should improve more than just your ability to beat people up or survive a violent encounter. There are multiple benefits to martial arts beyond the physical skills and they are valuable in themselves.
     
    pgsmith, Dead_pool, Old bloke and 8 others like this.
  2. Van Zandt

    Van Zandt Mr. High Kick

    A great list you've got there, @Smitfire

    I have some of my own I'd like to add, a few of which will be similar to yours.

    A person's lack of understanding is not a reflection of their intelligence. But it is a reflection of your communication and teaching skills. Or as Einstein said: "If you can't explain it simply, then you don't know it well enough."

    You don't have to be an expert at everything. It's perfectly okay to be a great coach in just one or two areas.

    Heck, you don't even have to aim to become an expert. Just doing it for fun and settling for being average is fine if that's what makes you happy.

    Your opinion is not nearly as important as you think it is. Likewise, other people's opinions mean very little in the long run.

    Life really is fleeting. Enjoy it while you're here.

    Being a martial artist doesn't make you better than non-martial artists.

    There are enough students/customers to go around for everyone. There really is no need to badmouth other instructors, schools, or organisations.

    Another school might be a McDojo. Their students might enjoy training there knowing full well it's a McDojo. And that's okay.

    There will always be someone better skilled or more knowledgeable than you.

    Getting older can actually be a really fun experience. Being older ≠ being weaker.

    You don't have to train every day to be world class.

    Few people actually listen to understand. Most listen because they're waiting to speak.

    A basic understanding of logical fallacies will help you win most debates in every day life. It will also make you aware of your own biases and the flaws in your arguments.
     
    Mitch, axelb, Mitlov and 4 others like this.
  3. Mitlov

    Mitlov Shiny

    Things I've learned from martial arts forums:

    * People train for different reasons. People have different limitations of what they are and are not interested in doing. That's okay. This is a hobby, after all.

    * Some people are happy and just exude a love of training. Other people are angry and have something to prove. When you're going to take advice, take it from the happy people.

    * Whatever you're learning, find a way to pressure-test it. There are many ways to pressure-test things, and they have different strengths, but any pressure-testing is a whole lot better than none.
     
    pgsmith, bassai, Mitch and 3 others like this.
  4. axelb

    axelb Master of Office Chair Fu

    Brilliant thread :)
    Forums have definitely helped me refine my observations and attitude towards martial arts training.
     
    Mitch, Smitfire and Van Zandt like this.
  5. Old bloke

    Old bloke Active Member

    Great thread, being an old bloke there would not be a lot to add, apart from "know thy self"
     
    axelb likes this.
  6. Smitfire

    Smitfire Cactus Schlong

    Something else I realised I didn't really understand before getting on MAP and other forums...

    Most martial arts that seem to specialise today, for example boxing (punching), TKD (kicking), Karate (kicking and straight punching), Judo (throwing) often stem from earlier, and more extensive and varied practice and history. Judo has a striking kata. Boxing came from earlier pugilism that included throws, locks and strikes other than just punches with the knuckles. TKD has throws in the encyclopedia. Early Karate in Okinawa was more varied than later Karate via Japan, etc. As such you can explore other methods of combat, training and technique and still stay true to the heritage and background of your style. What a style is or looks like today is not the whole picture.
     

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