“It is possible to learn the technique of all kata in two or three months. But simple ability to repeat them is not the point here. Years of practice and thorough training are necessary for deep understanding and mastery.
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Nowadays even children get taught Suparinpei if it is needed for competitions. Well, a child can memorize the sequence of moves, but will he or she truly master those moves?
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That is why the same Sanchin will be different when done by a white belt student, by someone who’s been studying for a couple of months, and by those who have been practicing for twenty years.” ??
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Masaaki Ikemiyagi 9th dan Goju Ryu Meibukan
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Today of course, the Youtube sensei prevails. There are many that prefer to watch a video of a technique, kata or drill, rather than learn them from a teacher at a dojo. Most people can “walk” through a kata pretty quickly, but do they “know” it as they profess? No of course not.
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The ego is a big problem in the martial arts. There are some who reach a black belt grade who believe they can teach others because they can “walk through” several kata, or techniques to an elementary level. Everyone wants things so quickly and are not prepared to be patient and learn, to truly understand. How can we teach others if you do not truly understand yourself?
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“It was felt that a superficial understanding of many kata was of little use. The aim of training reflected the precept expressed by the words, ‘although the doorway is small, go deeply inward.’ ~ Gichin Funakoshi, Karate-do Kyohan
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The fast food sensei. “I want it all, and I want it now.”