Learning from videos..

[zerohour]

I've been thinking of getting an instructional video or two to learn something about a different style, or a weapon. I don't mean learning ONLY from videos/DVD's - I like training at the dojo, and I just got a Bo staff, and have a bokken on it's way to me, which my sensei will be teaching me how to use.

 

But if I wanted to learn some kung-fu, or maybe aikido, etc... just casually, are videos a good way of going about it? How about weapons, such as kamas, or maybe a Tonfa (if I get a license for it)?

[ramymensa]

If you're already involved in a style and have good instruction from a sensei, then videos can be a great learning tool. I'm kinda stubborn into saying that for a new style it's better to not rely on them for the first time, because bad habits are quite frequent and very hard to unlearn. So go to a "specialist", get the hang of it, the mechanism, the basis, and then do the "research" by yourself, never forgetting to have someone from time to time check on your progress and correct. That's why we need instructors

[Red Triangle student]

In a Dojo is the best way to learn a Martial Art, but if you are going to learn weapons then I reccommend that you get either a book out the Library or a yes a DVD, because DVDs are the best way to learn watching a screen as you can still Frame the screen and then you can see what to do more clearly.

[aefibird]

Well, if you're wanting to learn an art or a weapon the going to an instructor is far better than learning from a video.

 

However.... if for reasons such as lack of instructor or lack of time you can't make it to a dojo then learning from a video could be OK. Just remember than learning from a video tape or DVD isn't as good as learning from an actual person in real-life - there's no-one there on the DVD who can see what you're doing and correct any mistakes you'll make.

 

Having said that, though, if you're just wanting to study a weapon or an art for a bit of part-time fun, then fine. DVD's & video tapes are better to learn from than books because you can see transitions between movements, whereas books only show static images which can often be difficult to follow.

 

Also think about which art you want to learn from video. if you're gonna be practicing on your own then picking Aikido or BJJ would be a bit daft, because you'd need someone to train with to practice the locks, thows etc with.

 

If you're thinking of weapons, then Playwell sell weapons 'kits' for beginners. These consist of the weapon (such as kama or 3-sectional staff) and a training video/DVD which covers the basics.

[Luckykboxer]

my experience is that videos, instructional videos can be the greatest help when you are using in addition to normal training.

 

I have been using different jiujitsu videos in conjunction with my normal training and i can guarantee my progression has been much much faster.

 

I have yet to buy a video for a style that i dont use, so i cant really comment on them as stand alone training.

 

My thoughts would be that it is better then nothing, but that it isnt as good as personal training, and that personal training is one step below using both.