Learning without a teacher?

[mirroredfire]

Is it possible to begin learning a martial arts without a teacher? I don't really have a lot of time and my schedule is screwy.. was wondering if it was possible and if any internet sites taught some technique or video tapes.. thanks

[stl_karateka]

I'm sure there are sites and videos that'll claim to teach you basics, but without an instructor to provide correction and training you may just end up developing bad habits --- and if you decide to join a school later it may be difficult to 'un-learn' bad habits.

 

I'd suggest waiting until you can join a formal class...especially if you've never done any MA before. Perhaps you can find someone who doesn't teach out of a school...no contract, less restrictive hours...perhaps private lessons

 

Best of luck to you!

 

Mod: Thought I made a mistake in typing....how about I say formal lessons instead....

Edited December 10, 2003 by stl_karateka

[Pacificshore]

Anything is possible, but it'll have to be up to you to benefit from such training. One of the pitfalls with such an undertaking is as stl_karateka has stated, "learning bad habits", and then having a hard time "unlearning" them. In my opinion, if you've had a previous background in martial arts, then I'd say learning by video is not such a bad way to go based on your circumstances, but it would need to be followed up with an instuctor in person.

 

If you are a complete beginner, then that's a different story, because there's more to learning the basics than just mimicking the movements. Even with past martial arts experience, video training should be looked at as supplemental training. Good luck

[mirroredfire]

well ive wanted to do martial arts since I was a kid but coming from a small town there were none.. i get to college and they have dojos but I have to work/go to classes all the time.. im in real good shape I workout everyday and am very flexible so I think I have some potential.. just need to find somewhere to start

[Karateka_latino]

Maybe if you ask for someone who's training in one of the clubs, to come over and give you, at least, a once a week lesson and then, you can buy some videos about they things that person already taught you. Then, keep having that person to come once a week to make corrections on your techniques and work some drills that NEEDS to be done between 2 people.

[aefibird]

Even if you can't get to a martial arts lesson on a regular basis then you should try and go when you can. It's much better than trying to learn a martial art from a book or a video. Even if you buy the greatest martial arts video in the world it still can't compete with the benefit of having an experienced teacher show you what to do. If you can only make it to formal training , say, once a fortnight then that's better than trying to learn my yourself at home. You could then always supplement what you learn in class with training with a video or a book.

 

You say you workout ever day - could you put some of that time into taking martial arts lessons?

[Sasori_Te]

You are saying that you are a beginner. Here is what I would suggest. Get yourself down to a dojo or whatever they call the training hall in the art you want to study. Talk with the instructor and tell him your circumstances. I'm sure that he will be able to give you the advice that you are looking for, unless of course it's a belt factory. If it is you'll know by whether or not the instructor reminds you of a used car salesman. Be careful and good luck.