There are NO shortcuts. Hard work and training. There’s no secret formula.
.
Social media is a powerful communications medium, with widespread influence. Online communication has brought information to people and audiences that previously could not be reached.
.
Previous generations looked up to genuine experts, who had spent decades perfecting their art. Now, anyone can bypass this process and set themselves up as a martial arts “expert” – without ever having the deeper understanding that comes from spending time with a knowledgeable, challenging and competent teacher.
.
Social media is NOT a substitute for learning from a good instructor, in a good dojo. Not having someone there to offer constructive criticism and guidance, you will develop poor habits, no matter how hard you try.
.
Social media’s influence has given rise to a different genre of communication, where conversations are quick and information is easily relayed. People want answers immediately instead of diligently doing their own research, and spending time learning in a dojo, taking notes and asking questions of their instructors.
.
I am often asked for answers to questions without knowing who these people are, or what they are doing. There are no introductions, or any form of politeness, it’s just…. ‘give me the information, NOW!’
.
Sharing knowledge is the most fundamental act of friendship. Because it’s a way you can give something without loosing something.
.
However, you have to do the diligent study too. It’s part of the never ending process of learning. Teachers start the process it’s up to you to take up the challenge.
.
There is so much superficial karate out there today, and some practitioners want to get to the end of the journey before they have even started, taking as many shortcuts as they can.
.
There are NO shortcuts to quality learning. In a nutshell, it grows, like a tree, on progressive layers and branches of learning that need to be grasped, mastered and integrated in order to make sense of the next level.
.
Good teachers are invaluable, and learning difficult material is satisfying in itself. Mastering the knowledge and skills taught in the dojo can be innately rewarding. It builds satisfaction and pride. It yields a sense of accomplishment that is far more rewarding than making progress without trying.
.
Ultimately, though, learning is a personal accomplishment, a private success that makes all the effort worthwhile. When you succeed in learning something challenging, you know you’ve done well. You know you’re ready for the next level. You’re better prepared to really to do well in the martial arts….. And you know you didn’t cut any corners. It’s up to you. 
.
.
 Photo Credit: Blackbelt Magazine
.