The Art of Learning by Watching
The last time I traveled to Japan, I was still determined to train with my Sensei (Shihan Manabu Murakami) even though I was well past 60 years old and was now the proud owner of an artificial knee. When I arrived in Tokyo, I had a day to climatize myself and get over any Jet Lag I had from my 9½ hour flight.
I entered the Honbu Dojo of the SKI Federation (located in Kugahara – a suburb of Tokyo), and was more than prepared to train a tough couple of hours with an enthusiastic group of fellow senior Black Belts. While I felt I performed admirably (at least for my age), the seriousness in my training did result in some physical damage to my old frame.
Unfortunately, the most damage was to my artificial knee which swelled considerably while my sensei took myself and some other students to lunch. Of course, when asked, I promised that I would attend my Sensei’s next class as he was flying out later that week to teach a seminar in Saudi Arabia.
While I did my best to rest my knee, the swelling made it apparent that I was unable to attend the next training session. As my longtime friendship with Shihan Murakami would result in myself being denied access to the dojo floor, I was still hoping to watch the class but I felt I should still ask Shihan permission to do so (primarily as a courtesy).
I then contacted Shihan Murakami and explained my situation at which time I formally requested I be permitted Mitori Geiko, which is more than sitting and watching a class.
I actually mentioned “Mitori Geiko” which constitutes that I am doing more than simply observing the class. I intend to participate in class but with the understanding that I am unable to be on the actual Dojo floor.
The experience was wonderful and while I said absolutely nothing while class was in session, the way Shihan Murakami addressed the students, it was obvious I was one of the students being talked to. In fact, I was honored to join the senior students for an after-class dinner at a nearby restaurant.
The class really didn’t end in the dojo, as the conversation around the table was all about the training. While the food was amazing, the dojo conversation continued until we were kicked out of the restaurant, where everyone squeezed every last second from Shihan, before we all headed home. I was treated no differently than if I had actually trained in class.
Full attention
It is this perspective that differentiates a casual observer from a dedicated student. With a spectator, there is no sense of participation and no real connection with others in the class. The Mitori Geiko watcher is still a student of the class and may actually interact with the Sensei similar to anyone else in class.
To get a better understanding of how my Mitori Geiko request was perceived by my Japanese Sensei, I reached out to Shuseki Shihan Manabu Murakami (8th Dan) to get his perspective.
Mitori Geiko (見取り稽古) is an important yet often misunderstood aspect of traditional martial arts training. As mentioned, it refers to the practice of learning through observation—watching Instructors or fellow students perform techniques, kata, or drills and internalizing the movements without physically engaging in them. This method is particularly valuable as one ages or faces physical limitations but still wishes to deepen their martial understanding.
Murakami Shihan:
In martial arts, Mitori Geiko (observational practice) is considered extremely important.
However, its effectiveness varies depending on how one observes training. It is crucial not only to look at the technical level but also to explore the differences between higher-level practitioners and those who are not, seeking the reasons and causes behind those differences. Applying these insights to oneself and using them for personal improvement is essential.
The Purpose of Mitori Geiko
Mitori Geiko has long been an essential part of traditional Japanese martial arts training. Historically, it was common for injured samurai or martial arts students to continue learning by attentively watching their peers and instructors.
The core concept of Mitori Geiko aligns with the broader principles of mindfulness, discipline, and active learning—reinforcing the fact that martial growth is not limited to physical exertion.
Mitori Geiko extends beyond mere passive observation; it requires an analytical and engaged mindset. A practitioner must visualize themselves being part of the actual class, seeing themselves executing the technique, mentally noting any necessary corrections as well as any timing, posture, and flow improvements.
The Cognitive and Psychological Benefits
- Improved Pattern Recognition: By repeatedly observing skilled practitioners, one develops a keener eye for nuances in technique, weight shifting, and strategy.
- Mental Rehearsal & Visualization: Neuroscience suggests that mental imagery can enhance motor learning almost as effectively as physical practice.
- Tactical Awareness: Watching high-level practitioners in sparring or demonstrations allows one to develop a deeper understanding of rhythm, distance, and counters
Murakami Shihan:
Furthermore, many advanced martial arts techniques are invisible or difficult to perceive, so it is necessary to look beyond the techniques themselves. The truth is that such skills can only be acquired through repeatedly practicing what one has observed and felt during Mitori Geiko with one’s own body.
Application for Aging Martial Artists
As martial artists age, physical limitations may restrict full participation, but wisdom and insight can still grow. It is here where Mitori Geiko has real value. After decades of practice and performance, a long-time practitioner will show some wear and tear which requires a longer rehabilitation time, thus less actual mat/dojo time. With Mirtori Geiko as your guiding philosophy, being part of the class without actually being on the Dojo floor can provide a number of benefits.
Mitori Geiko allows senior practitioners to:
- Maintain a student’s mindset despite physical constraints.
- Continue refining strategy and timing, even if execution is reduced.
- Mentor younger students by sharing observations and adjustments.
Murakami Shihan:
Mitori Geiko is often thought of as simply watching practice without actively participating, aiming to improve one’s technical knowledge. However, it also includes carefully observing training partners and fellow practitioners, regardless of their skill level, and using those observations to enhance one’s own development while training together.
Mitori Geiko in Modern Martial Arts
This methodology of full attention to every detail while observing a class is not exclusive to traditional dojos; it is equally effective in contemporary training:
- Watching recorded fights, kata, and seminars—leveraging modern technology to analyze movement. Although being in the actual training studio or dojo has far more benefits, being more attentive when watching videos can also be equally beneficial.
- Coaching or assisting classes—observing others sharpens one’s ability to teach and refine corrections. Watching the way your instructor teaches can be just as important as what they are teaching.
- Cross-training—learning by observing other disciplines and integrating insights.
Conclusion: The Eternal Path of Learning
Mitori Geiko embodies the principle that martial arts is a lifelong journey. Even when physical limitations arise, the mind remains sharp, and the ability to grow never ceases.
For aging practitioners, it serves as a bridge between experience and continued progress, proving that mastery is not limited to movement but also a state of mind.
Murakami Shihan:
In other words, Karate-Do is a pursuit of truth that lies deep within reality, explored and philosophized through one’s life, body, and experiences.
Pruim Shihan has regularly travelled to Japan in order to train with one of the world's foremost Karate masters, the late Kanazawa Hirokazu Soke (10th Dan Shotokan Karate) and his present instructor Shuseki Shihan Manabu Murakami (8th Dan).
Pruim Shihan also attended the International Budo University, located in Katsuura, Japan on several occasions for advanced Budo training where he was introduced to Atarashii Naginata.
Andries Pruim has written several articles over the past 30 years, with his most recent work focusing on the business side of the Martial Arts Industry.
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