By Shari Rhoades (209.156.82.107) on Friday, September 29, 2000 - 10:24 am:

Dunphy Sensei,
In my most recent training sessions, it is becoming clear to me that our don'ts of basic training are not necessarily true at the advanced level. A few examples: stance depth, angle of fist when punching, on ball of foot with driving kick, etc. Why then is it so important to train not to do these things, then later to do them. At what time in training is it appropriate to open the eyes or enlighten with the "correct" methods, or more advanced understandings?

By Dr. Michael J. Dunphy (Mjdunphy) (24.93.186.201) on Friday, September 29, 2000 - 03:00 pm:

Shari-san,

Let me address the point you are making from a little different perspective. In any educational system, warrior training included, instructors must choose to limit options at first in order to enable beginning students to set a baseline. If too many variable are presented in the beginning, a student's mind and body will find difficulty establishing a harmony to enable spontaneous responsiveness to occur under stress. In other words, a confused technique is a failed technique. Almost always, beginner training is geared toward "typical situations" or "common" techniques or trajectories. Right angles and direct vertical and horizontal trajectories are most often used and then 45 degree bisections. Stances are lower to encourage muscle development, and techniques are trained to their kinesiological extremes, like full chambering and full range of motion. It is assumed that advanced students will have "burned" these patterns and possibilities into their nervous system and will have created a physical infrastructure which can handle the stress of full range motion. At this time, variables are encouraged. Unusual trajectories, every variation possible of width, depth, length and targeting of techniques is explored to create the sogobujutsu hyoho. Add weapons, and life is jolly. The time at which this transition occurs is extremely variable, and is very individual. Keen perception is hard to train, but easy to spot. The mark of a good instructor is to someone who can guide students toward, through and beyond the limitations of structured techniques, and into reflexive responsiveness in any moment with effective skill.

By Tracy Crocker on Monday, October 28, 2002 - 08:02 pm:

Hi! I know whenever I teach a class, I do the same thing. Basics are the key to future understanding. I usually don't expect my students to be able to fight right off the bat. Mind, Body, and Spirit must be cultivated at the same time. Alot of Martial Artist today want a quick fix.(Fast Food Martial Arts) The reality is it takes several years to truly learn to defend against one person, much less several. If you can, that is great, if you can't, keep training. Over time you learn fighting can be as easy as drinking a glass of water, but you must have a heart that can persevere over time.I hope this helps.