Creativity to Stagnation
If you have read any of my previous articles, you know that I always encourage martial artists to find what works for them and to create their own art. In so doing, I am careful to emphasize the continuing search aspect of creating one’s own art. This is because, in the process of creating our own art and having no defined curriculum, there is a danger getting just a little bit lazy and falling into a rut.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you look back on your recent training and realize that you have only been practicing what you are already good at? This is what I mean by falling into a rut. While one should continue to hone the techniques they are already proficient in, it is imperative that, as martial artists, we always look beyond our established skill set.
Time to Practice What You Can’t Do
I found myself in such a rut a few years back. My instructor had moved away and I hadn’t found a place to train that fit me well. So, I spent a few years solo training. During that time, I fell into the trap of training only in the things I was good at.
The particular example for me was the side-kick. I was never particularly good at it and when my original instructor moved away, I pretty much stopped doing it. By the time I found someone new to train with, my side-kick was truly abominable. I was never able to kick particularly high, but now my kicks were ridiculously low. In one training session, my kick went under the pad and hit the holder in the shin!
It was time for me to face what I was hiding from. In short, practice what I couldn’t do.
Happily, through working with a new instructor and putting in some additional time and focus, I can now throw a side-kick well above shin height! Further, as my kicks got higher, my overall flexibility and mobility got better. A technique I had once neglected is now a useful addition to my art that has had benefits more generally.
Self-Assessment
What I would like to encourage here is for everyone to take a bit of time and consider the techniques you stopped practicing. Give particular attention to ones you have actively avoided. Why are you avoiding them? Was it a perceived lack of effectiveness or personal dislike or lack of ability? It is easy to rationalize and make excuses, so be honest with yourself here. Then ask yourself: If I were to revisit a particular technique, does returning it to my practice have the potential to improve my performance in other areas?
If you can answer “yes” to the final question, then that is a technique worth revisiting.
Conclusion
As we pass through our martial arts journey, techniques come and go. Some stay and become part of our personal art. Some are consigned to oblivion. Yet it is always a good idea to revisit our reasons for discarding a technique. Since discarding it, we may have come into a position where that technique may now fit into our art and also have positive effects beyond that single technique. Keep moving forward, but remember that sometimes, it is worthwhile to take a look back.
- Warrior to Sage - June 27, 2023
- My Poor Eyesight Made Me A Better Martial Artist - July 20, 2022
- My Creator is My Creation: Beyond the Style of No Style - May 17, 2022
We were discussing somewhat of a similar idea this morning. If you take time ( as I did yesterday ) to watch a few YouTube videos,you will notice the same forms with many variations. I’m currently learning Sipsoo,so I’m practicing in my living room on off days from the dojang. There are differences, mainly because of the experiences of the instructor and physical limitations of the student,as well as one’s organization’s interpretation of the form. Testing should not grade a student by his ABILITY or lack thereof to perform the form or movement,but on one’s execution of it.