| martial arts training is a lifelong pursuit. There will | | | | treat them as such. These movements are often |
| always be an opportunity to improve your technique | | | | taught in a way that encourages perfect tactical |
| and become more effective. The problem is, many | | | | execution, but neglects a well-rounded strategic |
| experienced instructors are so accustomed to | | | | approach. For example, many students learn to kick |
| performing specific moves that they do so practically | | | | with speed and precision. However, they leave |
| without thinking them through. While they can perform | | | | themselves vulnerable to attack while doing so. |
| them fluidly, it's often difficult for them to explain the | | | | Every movement should address three areas. First, it |
| details to the students in their martial arts classes. | | | | should ensure your perimeter is covered from attack. |
| This article will focus less on studying moves and more | | | | Second, it should weaken your opponent's ability to |
| on the factors that will increase the speed with which | | | | strike or block. Third, it should lead seamlessly into your |
| you learn them, and the potency with which you apply | | | | next movement (similar to the way a professional pool |
| them. Underneath the techniques of any style you're | | | | player sets his shots). |
| learning are a set of foundational principles that will | | | | #4 - Don't Rely On Muscle |
| heavily influence your effectiveness. Here are four of | | | | This is a common trap that ensnares a lot of beginning |
| them: | | | | martial arts students. They'll rely on their muscle to |
| #1 - Refine Your Angling | | | | make certain techniques more effective. This is a poor |
| Have you ever wondered how an experienced | | | | strategy for a few reasons. First, it is often done to |
| master can so easily throw a younger opponent who | | | | compensate for problems related to distance, angling, |
| is much larger or taller? One of the reasons is precise | | | | and execution. If you rely on your muscle to "power |
| angling. The same movement can be delivered with | | | | through" your movements, you'll never learn to master |
| twice the potency depending upon the angle at which | | | | levers that are far more potent. Second, the strategy |
| it is delivered. In effect, you can use less strength and | | | | is only effective if your opponent is less powerful than |
| force to bring about the same result by focusing on | | | | you. If he's bigger or stronger, you'll instantly lose your |
| the precision of your angles. This concept deserves | | | | advantage. |
| much deeper exploration; we'll revisit it in a future | | | | If you're enrolled into martial arts classes to learn and |
| column. | | | | perfect your technique, you're on a perpetual path |
| #2 - Maintain The Proper Distance | | | | toward improvement. That said, it is critical that you |
| In the same way angles can provide leverage, so too, | | | | focus on the right levers. Being able to execute moves |
| can the distance at which you perform a move. This is | | | | with a high level of precision is important. However, it is |
| one of the most confusing levers for beginning martial | | | | vital that you learn to do so with the proper angling and |
| arts students. They might learn to execute a | | | | at the right distance. Both factors will dramatically |
| movement flawlessly, yet be unable to produce the | | | | improve your results. Also, focus on developing a |
| desired effect. The problem is often the distance at | | | | strategic approach to your moves - one that guards |
| which they're executing it. Distance will influence your | | | | your perimeter, undermines your opponent's efforts, |
| range. Your range will influence the power of your | | | | and sets up your next move. Finally, avoid relying on |
| delivery. | | | | your muscle to produce results. |
| #3 - Hone Your Moves | | | | You'll find that if you concentrate on those four areas, |
| Martial arts strikes, blocks, kicks, and throws do not | | | | you'll become far more effective - in practice and |
| exist in a vacuum. Yet, many pupils and instructors | | | | tournaments. |