Learning Martial Arts basics online????

[Heather Smyth]

I have noticed a lot of sites out that offer tutorials that teach you MA. I want to get some opinions on if the tutorials and videos contained "good" material do you think that a novice could benifit, or a seasoned artist gain more knowledge.

[Sohan]

It seems the consensus here is that an instructor-led program is vastly superior to online, video, or book learning because of the hands on ability to correct faults in technique. I am in agreement with this, though I think that the more advanced one is in MA the easier it is to benefit meaningfully from non-personal instruction.

With respect,

Sohan

[lordtariel]

Online, book, and video information should be a supplement, not a primary source of instruction.

[patusai]

Online, book, and video information should be a supplement, not a primary source of instruction.

I agree. Online stuff can "show" you but cannot teach you. Teaching requires some hands on at certain levels I believe

[chiflow]

Theres no doubt to me that in person instruction is the best

However I have a couple friends that used to train people online with web cams and recorded videos.

Good knowledge shared is valuable no matter what the medium is I think

[Brandon Fisher]

You can learn online or from a book if you have a good solid background and you are just trying to pick up some new kata that is within the range of your current system. But I say to pick up good basics or learn a new system online or from a book or video is not such a good idea. To many little details that you can miss.

[marie curie]

I think that this question is a little too broad.

Can you learn all of MA online?

Of course not. You can't learn all of MA at one school- and I wouldn't try learning even the entirety of 1 MA online.

However....

Can you learn an element of MA online?

Most can! I've learned many techniques from descriptions and pictures. My boyfriend learns well from videos of other people doing techniques. So, the internet is a great supplement!

[Shokei Marcsui]

I believe you can learn concepts (such as articles to improve body mechanics while doing kata or moves) online but the actual form should be taught one on one to see where the errors are.

This question would be similar to the "Can you learn karate from a book?"

You could. But you have to make sure that you aren't learning an incorrect form or you will create bad habits. It is far superior to have an educated instructor to critique the problem you have and correct it from there.

[jaymac]

It is possible to learn any MA (anymore) online, but it is not realistic and you will not receive the type of training needed in order to be an affective Martial Artist. Online MA is a money scam. All they are looking for is your money. That is it. Why not try learning from an instructor in your area. I mean, I am sure you have thought about this already, but really, if you are interested in true MA, try it at a dojo.

[Simo]

I think tht the resources on the internet are a good thing with MA, but i wuldnt use the whole source as a guide, maybe comparing text and whats it on it..

Best to be 1 to 1 or 1 to many with an instructor