Empty Technique(s)

[sensei8]

Technique(s) without practice returns to us empty/void. Not just any practice, but meaningful practice.

"Have you been practicing?" I've asked this question of my students countless amount of times. I already know the answer to my question before I've even posed it because I can see their answer(s) from their movements, which are presented to me more as an exhibition than as an effective movement(s) of totality.

Practice has its levels, and they vary across the board. Warm up, geared up, and thought up [discovery]. Yet, to not practice seriously can only invite defeat across the board.

"Don't practice just to do the technique(s), but to bring 'it' to life. To show any marked improvement requires total self in each and every technique(s). Understand what it is that you're doing/learning/improving. That what you're engaged in is not to be taken lightly; now and forever." I continue to reach out to my students on a lesson of meaningful practice.

For that brief moment, I believe that my students have purposefully forgotten why they must practice, and because I'm seeing a moment of lapse in their attention to every important detail, I sternly remind them that I'm seeing their hearts aren't on the floor and I require them to bring their heart and a earnest effort on my floor. If not, go home until you can show yourselves, your fellow students, our dojo, and myself that you're not here for just a season, but for a true reason.

Don't practice empty technique(s)!!

Any thoughts?

[evergrey]

OSU, every single class, when Shihan goes to leave, he tells the students, "PRACTICE! OSU!"

On top of that practice, however, must be focus. Mindfulness. It's like reciting Shakespeare by rote memorization, delivering it in monotone with no timing, no feel, no emotion, versus method acting, FEELING the words, conveying the passion, taking the listener THERE.

I can unthinkingly throw my leg up, chamber, out, re-chamber, down, and that is technically a kick. Or I can pay attention to how every inch of my body moves with the strike, and visualize where the strike would land, and really be PRESENT with that kick. That's when the lightbulbs will (occasionally, lol, I'm a slow learner when it comes to physically doing things) flicker to life.

You have to not only practice, but put 110% into that practice, just as you should in class. Always do the best you can, and you will BECOME the best you can, in that moment. Do it lazily, learn laziness, and it will show in all that you do.

Things that are worth doing, are worth doing well. Preferably often. ;}

OSU!

[yamesu]

It's like reciting Shakespeare by rote memorization, delivering it in monotone with no timing, no feel, no emotion, versus method acting, FEELING the words, conveying the passion, taking the listener THERE.

Great analogy!

[shadowspawn]

Hmmm. I agree to a certain extent. I do believe there are some things that some people will naturally adhere to more easily than others, so practicing some techniques for retention's sake with the intent of passing it on to another who might better make use of it. For example, the nukite spearhand technique is probably one I'd never personally use (in favor of the much easier IMO hiraken foreknuckle strike) due to the risk it would pose to me if I were to miss. But for the techniques that stick with you, yes you should practice it with purpose rather than simply going through the motions.

[bushido_man96]

It's like reciting Shakespeare by rote memorization, delivering it in monotone with no timing, no feel, no emotion, versus method acting, FEELING the words, conveying the passion, taking the listener THERE.

Great analogy!

I never did like Shakespeare. So to me, all that would be empty, anyways.

But, to each their own. I know some do enjoy it, and you can tell those that do, and those that don't, by how they recite.

The Martial Arts are the same way. Its important to give it all you can, and to be "into it" when training, whether you are training at full blast, or just doing a walk through to get the grasp of something. Thinking of flow, thinking of what's next, and then putting it together so you don't have to think.

[evergrey]

Haha well, Shakespeare isn't my favorite either, truth be told. I have seen a group of 4th graders recite hamlet in monotone though. Most. Painful. Play. Ever.

[bushido_man96]

Haha well, Shakespeare isn't my favorite either, truth be told. I have seen a group of 4th graders recite hamlet in monotone though. Most. Painful. Play. Ever.

Its because they don't like it, and Shakespeare is being forced upon them because someone thought he was great.

Ok, my Shakespearean rant is over now.

[evergrey]

I once got a failing grade on an essay test worth a very large percent of my grade because I said that the man was poorly-traveled and anti-semetic. That instructor just LOVED him and wrote at the end "you obviously didn't pay attention to my lecture."

Yes, yes I did, but I disagreed with it.

Her name was "Mrs. Hunt."

That's not quite what we called her in the halls...

[bushido_man96]

I once got a failing grade on an essay test worth a very large percent of my grade because I said that the man was poorly-traveled and anti-semetic. That instructor just LOVED him and wrote at the end "you obviously didn't pay attention to my lecture."

Yes, yes I did, but I disagreed with it.

Her name was "Mrs. Hunt."

That's not quite what we called her in the halls...

:lol: