Making a meal of it?

[Fat Donkey]

Do u mean that the instructors try to make it mystical? Or that they seem to give too much instruction for what seems to be a simple movement? Or that they call it fancy names?

 

If it is the first part then I agree with u? As for the second then I would say that it takes years and thousands of repetetions too perfect even the simplest punch or kick. A good example of this would be Tiger Woods, he still gets coaching for all his swings even though he's the best in the world.

 

The third reason would bring us to an interesting topic: Is our western ideals of efficency and simplicity destroying the tradition of MA. It is especially bad in Muy Thai. I wanted to learn the traditional names for our MT moves because I was interested in MT history. One example is the uppercut elbow or sok soi. The traditional name for this is Tak Mala which means flower in the ear. The legend goes that a princess was putting a flower in her ear as someone tried to attack her, and she knocked him out. I think thats a pretty cool story and there are dozens like it. I also think that we as MA's should learn all the fancy names for even simple moves as it keeps the history and traditions of MA alive for those we may teach.

[Mart]

The second point really. Too much. I think that once yu know what your trying to do you can repeat it as you say. But to go on and on and on means you never get there. thats the experience i had. Once yur on the right track move on but keep doing basics. just dont explain them as if they are brand new techniques ever damn lesson

[gheinisch]

I think I understand what your saying. You feel as though you've got the technique and lets move on to something new. This is totally understandable, you may be one of these people that are like sponges, you see it one time and you got it, lets move on. I hate people like that! Just kidding! It's great if you can do that but are there others in your class that need more instruction or newer students coming in that need to learn these techniques? I've gone through this as well. Our Hanshi tells us that in your Martial Arts experience you will go through highs and lows in your training and those who really love the art will stick it out through these slow times and become even better. Those who don't will quit and find something else. You may be going through a slow or boring part of your training but stick to it and you'll be a better Martial Artist in the end. Hope this helps in some way!

Edited May 4, 2004 by gheinisch

[Drunken Monkey]

but sometimes you can't SEE where you're not 100% whereas someone watching CAN see.

 

once again, just giving a very general example isn't the best way to discuss something.

 

i mean, if hat the guys was repeating was something that he keeps seing wrong in people (remember, you are not the only guy in the class) then he has the obligation to tell you how things should be.

 

think about, if you've told someone what to do, how to do and when to do

 

AND

 

he still keeps getting it wrong.

 

what would you do?

 

not tell him again and let him think that he's got it?

 

i should say that your point has been given in a very general way.

 

it is kinda hard for us to agree or disagree as you seem to have targeted this very general statement at every style that is not muay thai.

 

an example of what you've experienced would make discussion easier.

[Treebranch]

Look some MA's basics are easy to learn and things get harder as you go along. Other MA's basics are very hard to learn and it gets easier as you go along. The basics are the most important part of any training whether it be music, drawing, or Martial Arts. The basics are often overlooked because they seem boring and most people want to either get out there and fight or jump to difficult and complex techniques. Master the basics and everything else will come easier and you have a greater understanding of what you are doing. If you don't have the patience for a particular system of fighting then don't study that one, because you won't do well in it if you don't ENJOY it. But please don't make conclusions about MA's that you don't understand or haven't become proficient in. Not that anyone has done that here, but look at MA's with open eyes because every MA may contain information that could be helpful to other systems of fighting. Thanks.