Habitual Poor Habits

In the book of martial power written by Steven J. Pearlman I quote, "newer students might begin training with less-than-optimal versions of technique. As with teaching students to generate power by chambering punches at the hip, the sacrifice of certain principles often proves temporarily permissible to facilitate coordination and student growth provided that students do not habituate poor habits."

This describes nicely how I feel Isshinryu became the perceived stunted system it is today. I say stunted because in most cases most practitioners have not reached the full potential the system has to offer. I feel that because of the limited time spent by the military and the hurried promotions to black belt Tatsuo Sensei lived up to a part of the quote, i.e. not understanding such things as hip chambering are in reality just a basic, introduction to principles/fundamentals, that never reached beyond this stage. The military left training and practice and because there was no one in the states who had the knowledge or experience it remained under the heading of "traditional or as Tatsuo intended/taught" vs. a beginning to much, much more the system can provide a person.

I suspect but cannot verify that most all martial systems that were originated here by military influences were left at this basic stage for the same reasons. In an effort to provide more they tended to go with what they know, sport and competitions such as tournaments for trophies in sparring as well as performance grade kata once again for trophies and accolades/recognition of peers.

Understand that this is not bad after all, "all bottles are good, they all serve a purpose." I mean that if your intent is such it fits that model than more congrats to you for pursuing that path yet if your goals or model is combative then it may miss the mark. Just something to think about, yes?

We all, me included, have formed unintentional habitual poor habits under the guise of tradition and the adherence to exact system basics leaving out depth and breadth of the system. At least it does not have to remain but can be changed according to the principles of principles, yes?

Comments? Yes? No? Maybe? You tell me, K!

Bibliography:
Perlman, Steven J. "The Book of Martial Power: The Universal Guide to the Combative Arts." New York. The Overlook Press. 2006.