10,000 hour Rule

Blog Article/Post Caveat (Read First Please: Click the Link)

First, here is the rub, like the 21 foot rule called Tueller’s Drill that rule and this one are merely guides. These rules are not truly “Rules” that one must adhere too and they are not concrete as to what it takes to become proficient in any one discipline. What happens tho is someone will use the rule on its own and declare that if one practices diligently for 10,000 hours they will master the discipline. They don’t take into consideration all the factors involved in become proficient in any discipline.

Second, practice alone is not enough. The factors I mentioned involve a lot more than simply going out there and practicing something, i.e., like in karate simply punching the air looking to such things as your form and a feeling one gets used to denote power is not enough, it needs more - much much more. 

Third, then there is the complexity factor. If the discipline is of a very, very “Stable Structure” then one can achieve proficiency, even mastery, with repetitive practice but then agin even in such a stable discipline there are other factors toward practice, even repetitive practice.

Fourth, practice must be deliberate to achieve success in a discipline. When the structure of a discipline is fluid, lacks any real or stable structure as self-defense, karate and martial arts tend toward, then this rule goes out the window because then proficiency leans heavily toward individual capability, individual dedication, individual due diligence and other such “Factors.” You really have to push your skill sets as much as possible and as often as possible to create efficient master over those types of skill sets.

Fifth, the incremental rule also, “Rules.” Practice must involve smaller incremental improvements to achieve mastery or efficiency in application of the discipline. Going through the motions of say, that punch I mentioned, being performed over and over again up to that 10K rule means you can perform that move 10,000 times. Remember, other factors are involved.

Sixth, here is a quote about complexity in practice that affects such hard coded rules: 

"There is no doubt that deliberate practice is important, from both a statistical and a theoretical perspective. It is just less important than has been argued," the study's lead author, Brooke Macnamara, said in a statement. "For scientists, the important question now is, what else matters?"

Exactly, what else matters for it truly does matter and no more so in such disciplines that involve conflict and violence, i.e., karate and martial arts in self-defense applications. As modern experienced teachers and mentors have indicated in the last decade involving self-defense there are other “Factors” involved in making self-defense work.  

   

Seventh, another quote to convey the proper concept of a rule that is not a rule:

“There are no quick black belt experts, the one or two year wonders or the youthful wonder black belt in karate and marital arts especially in their use for self-defense, fighting and combatives —certainly no instant masters or grandmasters. There appears not to be on record any case where a person reached master level with less than about two or more decade’s intense preoccupation with the discipline. We would estimate, very roughly, that a master has spent perhaps 10,000 to 50,000 hours with intense effort, discipline, diligence and preoccupation…”

Intensity and preoccupation are key here along with dedicated continuous diligent practice with incremental improvements with effort, intent, discipline, and due diligence.

Eighth, then there is “Talent.” To gain a high level regardless of the hours or years in practice and training one must have a certain talent to reach high levels of mastery especially in a fluid like discipline of self-defense with karate or martial arts. You really have to prepare properly, find a solid teacher and mentor and then apply yourself but when adding your innate talent to the fourmula of factors to make you a master or proficient practitioner you then have a formula not just for success but to reach the lofty height of master in the chosen discipline. 

Ninth, in self-defense of conflict and violence and especially adding on a complete discipline of karate and martial arts one must use operant conditioning in a reality adrenal stress-conditioned environment to achieve proficiency in self-defense. As one expert says, “There are no naturals.” The degree to which we practice and the amount of practice necessary for exceptional ability and proficiency is very extensive and subjective, i.e., governed by an individuals abilities, etc. 

Tenth, the rules in question for this article then must be viewed as minimal recommendations but in my mind, in my view and in truth - one who wishes to achieve proficient mastery especially for self-defense must ignore such minimal rules and requirements. They must accept the fact that all things worth anything take “Time, effort, intent, diligence and most of all patience,” to achieve mastery or even proficiency.

Lastly, there is one rule that is immovable and set in stone, the necessity to continually practice and train appropriately to the discipline involved for it takes far less time to lose those proficient skill sets if you don’t maintain them. Once you take up that sword, metaphorically speaking, you must maintain your abilities or they will be lost.   

As a mentor and teacher the use of the 10K “Recommendation” is one that tests the practitioner and makes sure they understand the dedication and life long dedication that is required to achieve goals of karate and martial arts for self-defense. Teaching them that this is just the very start of a life long discipline, a way of life, is very telling to a novice. 

Bibliography (Click the link)