Academic-n-Physical [Yin-n-Yang]

I wish I had become academically proficient in my system before I achieved a level of physical proficiency. It is my thought that one may want to reach a high level of academic knowledge so that when the physical application is taught, practice, and taught the connection would be a lot clearer.

I know from experience that sometimes that which is taught in the academia venue does not always translate to the real world. I think this is as it should be because once you take the academic and apply it to reality, i.e. make it work, the uniqueness of each individual dictates that the academic be translated to fit the person. Personalization.

I commented today that initially a person must be taught the basic/fundamental form. The gross movements. This fundamental form is to remain unchanged as it is transmitted to each person through out time. It should be devoid of any personal touches/personal interpretations, etc. Once you get good then personalizations are introduced.

This means that the academic is molded to the individual. Having the knowledge that is in depth provides the means to connect it to the practice in a way that achieves that "click." That click that occurs and turns on the "oh yea, now I get it" light. Too many times folks are taught something that makes no sense and usually they are told when they ask, just practice it will come. I don't believe this is true. If one has the academic knowledge then it will click when they put it into training and practice.

I just wish I had taken the time and effort to be proficient in the academia of martial arts so I could have tuned on the light as I went from room to room; down the various halls and entryways to reach the higher levels of understanding and proficiency.

Isn't it great the amount and sources of knowledge today, anyone with effort can attain the academic in tandem with the physical, i.e. karate-do!