We learn martial arts. A given, yes, yet in my view we tend to treat it like we would a academic class. We study a topic, we test on that topic, then we tend to forget it and move on to the next requirement or topic.
In martial arts training and learning are "cumulative." We can only benefit by our training and practice by increasing our knowledge and ability by successive additions and or modifications of previous knowledge and abilities attained in practice and training. We must incorporate all that we learn in the dojo on a continuous basis all the way up to the present moment.
If we use this method we train the mind through its ability to become self-producing through our capacity to transmit experiences and its products in a cumulative manner.
Martial Arts were designed to be a cumulative system of learning, both mental and physical. If your martial art has been reduced to a set of requirements that are simply a stepping stone to some non-cumulative goal then it may not be substantive in nature but more like a cover to a good book. We would be viewing the cover and exclaiming how wonderful it looks yet with out reading the content it has no substance.
Remember that it is not just a matter of say, "doing a white belt requirement at a green belt level." Cumulative meaning is not just this but sometimes a proficiency that is derived by the combining and changing of an earlier requirement that if not completely and adequately assimilated in the mind-body would make the new requirement incomplete and inadequate. A bit like learning a specific technique for a specific self-defense act without knowing the driving force behind an attack, i.e. its chaotic and violent nature, the violent mind, etc. It will fail in a violent situation because the mind just has no concept of it when it hits suddenly and with total surprise.
You can practice, practice, practice yet if that practice has no substance; it has no cumulative knowledge and ability then it will fail regardless of all that practice, practice, practice. A sound bite without substance is merely a sound bite. It sounds cool and that is it. Reminder: Technical stuff is cool but without the cumulative knowledge to apply it adequately, properly and effectively it is just that, technical stuff that sounds impressive when we talk about it.
Make sense? Yes? No? Maybe?
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