| The basic and founding principles of some martial arts | | | | compound the problem and just increase the chance |
| systems are extremely straightforward, intuitive, and | | | | of injury. |
| logical, yet, unfortunately, they are almost universally | | | | Some martial arts systems were designed, among |
| ignored in traditional Martial Arts training. All techniques | | | | other things, to address these two fundamental and |
| must have three fundamental components to be | | | | critical failings in traditional Martial Arts training. As |
| effective: power, speed, and focus (a technique that | | | | stated above, a good system incorporates a scientific |
| misses the target, is easily avoided, or that is simply | | | | and systematic approach to Martial Arts training and |
| brushed aside clearly isn't very effective). In order to | | | | mastery designed to take virtually anyone to their |
| develop power, speed and focus it is absolutely | | | | highest potential as a Martial Artist in the shortest time |
| essential that there be balance, flexibility, and strength | | | | possible without brutality or injury. This is a very strong |
| throughout the entire range of motion. These qualities | | | | statement to make, but it has been continually proven |
| don't mysteriously emerge. They must be | | | | again and again with people of all ages (men and |
| systematically and carefully developed. | | | | women) and in all ranges of physical condition. It is a |
| In most traditional schools, the drills and exercises have | | | | direct result of how unique and effective a particular |
| been passed from teacher to student and have | | | | martial art system is. |
| become part of the tradition. The techniques usually | | | | Hopefully, the first is clear from the discussions above. |
| require a very advanced degree of training to do well | | | | With systematic development and skillful practice |
| or even partially well. Unfortunately, doing something | | | | virtually anyone can learn the Martial Arts. Many |
| partially right is obviously doing it partly wrong. The | | | | traditional schools feel brutality and/or intimidation is |
| cumulative stress and damage to joints, tendons and | | | | essential to develop the necessary physical and |
| ligaments in this process of learning frequently results in | | | | mental qualities and stamina required in the Martial Arts. |
| long term and /or permanent degenerative injury. This | | | | This is simply not the case. There are many ways to |
| is especially true after adolescence, when the body | | | | accomplish this - brutality/intimidation being among the |
| has stopped growing. | | | | least effective. Some schools are run, in the name of |
| There is another equally dangerous flaw to this type of | | | | discipline, as if they were actually para-military |
| rote practice. When techniques are done incorrectly | | | | organizations. Again, not only is this unnecessary but |
| they are simply not effective. Blind repetition won't | | | | ineffective for the vast majority of people. Students |
| magically transform this or make them work. I am | | | | who change styles and find a supportive atmosphere |
| continually reminding students that practice does not | | | | of mutual respect a very welcome change and a |
| make perfect. Practice makes habit. Only perfect | | | | better environment to hone their skills. I have found |
| practice makes perfect. | | | | over the years that change brought about through |
| Eventually, the student may approximate something | | | | fear or intimidation is seldom permanent. Change |
| that looks correct, but in actuality, the problem areas | | | | brought about by cultivating and developing the |
| and weaknesses have only become much more | | | | requisite inner qualities, on the other hand, is not only |
| subtle and difficult to correct. The end result is that the | | | | permanent, but has a transforming effect that touches |
| vast majority of students will never progress beyond a | | | | every aspect of an individual's life. |
| very mediocre level. Sadly, more practice will only | | | | |