In martial systems we constantly discuss things like how many techniques for self-defense we learn and know, how many kata are in our system, and how many black belts we have but is this actually the goal of a martial system?
My theory again, I think not. I do believe there is a purpose to teaching, learning and practicing the many things. It is to find the few things we need in our application of martial systems, not the practice but rather the training focus we need to "make it work" in a budo or fighting sense.
There is no real way one Sensei or even several Sensei can convey to a deshi what they, the deshi that is, needs for their proficiency for budo, i.e. combat, fighting, defense, protection aspects. They can provide the many things they are knowledgeable of and then "let the deshi" search, experiment and find what works for them.
It is the responsibility of the deshi to gather the plenty into their repertoire and discover through trial and error that which makes the system their own (to find the few) and allows them to achieve proficiency. You cannot learn my way, your Sensei's way or the way of the old masters but you can try to reach the same level of knowledge, understanding and self-proficient way that they achieved in their time.
Learn the plenty then find the few - a sound philosophy for learning, training and applying your system.
Aw Charles, we're so in tune on this one. Every instructor has to be aware of instructor bias - wanting to teach their own favourite techniques and the stuff that works for them. But this does their student a great disservice. An instructor should teach a range of techniques, even stuff they don't personally like. Like you said the student should then decide what becomes part of their own personal MA system. Great post:-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sue, much appreciated.
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