In our current Internet age it is quite easy to access a whole world of information on martial arts techniques, training and strategies. With a wealth of information available via books, DVDs and online training resources it is easy to become overwhelmed with too many techniques, too many points of view and too many options. Why just on YouTube alone you can access thousands of videos on all manner of martial arts training without ever leaving your house.
At Martial Arts Unlimited, I make a distinction between resource material and actual training options that will improve your understanding and application of your chosen art. Although books, DVDs and the ever popular YouTube will always be available, it is the hands on experience of working with a trained instructor that will bring the most out of your training and in the quickest time possible.
There are four primary training categories that will enhance your game better than any Internet resource: Group Classes, Private Lessons and Solo Training. After a cursory look at each option here I will address, in future articles, how to get the most out of these methods as well as your supplemental resources.
Group Classes are the most cost effective and time tested way to learn an art. In my opinion, they provide the technical instruction and structure that most students need in order to learn and master the material. It is through the hours of work and dedication in these classes that a student may finally achieve the goal of a black belt. In addition, Group Classes offer the opportunity to work with a variety of fellow students possessing different skill sets, physical characteristics and experience levels. It is this type of training that will allow you to fully apply your art under various conditions through drills and free sparring.
Private Lessons offer a distinct advantage over Group Classes in that the art can now be broken down and tailor made to you as an individual. It is estimated that students learn from between 7 to 70 times faster in private classes than in group settings. The one-on-one attention offers the instructor the time to focus solely on your needs and goals in a way that is seemingly impossible in group sessions.
Seminars are a great way to meet, learn from and in some cases even get the hands on experience of training with the true masters of the arts. Martial Arts Unlimited makes a point to bring out the heads of our associations in the form of Master’s Seminars. In addition to seeing the technical aspects of the art, students have the opportunity to learn about the history and personal stories of the Masters and their journey through the arts.
Solo Training is the absolute finest method of internalizing an art form. Whether performing drills, shadow-boxing, shadow-grappling, pre-arranged sets or forms, Solo Training allows you the student to focus solely on technique without distraction or interference. It allows for maximum retention of material as you can review a set of techniques as many times as necessary. In addition to the physical aspects of training, another important and useful tool to Solo Training is note taking. By writing and re-writing your notes you can more fully internalize and memorize the techniques to be applied in drills and sparring.
In future posts I will more fully explore how to get the most out of these four categories as well as discuss more supplemental training options such as videos/DVDs, books and online resources.
Until next time Get in the studio and Keep Training!
