Martial Arts Metaknowledge

[Zaine]

A while ago, Drew made a post giving some tips on being a practitioner of Martial Arts. In it, they mention that "The forms of Tai Chi contain much of the metaknowledge you will need to even stand a chance against some one who is trained, taller, etc." That got me thinking about the metaknowledge of Martial Arts altogether and I have been contemplating it for nearly 2 months. I feel like I have a shaky understanding of what that is, but I am curious about what y'all think when you hear the phrase Martial Arts Metaknowledge. Is it our understanding of technique? Is it the pedagogy and teaching behind a MA curriculum? Is it the ability to size up an opponent? What are your thoughts?

[bushido_man96]

Could be some underlying principles that tend to apply to all MAs in general?

[Zaine]

That's a good thought, Brian. Perhaps metaknowledge refers to our principles in general. Things that contribute to discipline and our understanding of the side of martial arts that relates to character development.

[sensei8]

Seems that Shu Ha Ri is what Metaknowledge is in regards to the MA. Afterall, Moreover, Shu Ha Ri is a universal principle that describes the natural order in which mastery is attained. It's a concept that describes the stages of learning to mastery, and without experience there's no knowledge, no matter the type of knowledge. Metaknowledge being defined as knowledge about knowledge, however, all types of knowledge are dormant without applied experience.

There's the underpinning that states...The summation of 'Why" is to the summation of 'Because'.

Techniques, for example, for them to become effective must first mature, and for them to mature, there must be knowledge, but first there must be a correlation of experience.

Imho!!