Sensei says (insert dogma), so it must be true and this is the way I will do it, until the end of time.
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One problem which constantly crops up in the martial arts, is that often students, and some instructors too, have an idealized image of a sensei. Once a student gives his, or her loyalty to an instructor, it may become blind obedience and belief. And of course they then remain stuck and not open to different concepts and ideas, unable to think for themselves, their ideology is rigid and unalterable.
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This is a problem.
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Why? ….. Because there isn’t just ONE way.
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Examples of this rigid, unmovable philosophy is everywhere….. Sparring is the same as self-defense, karate is ineffective, karate blocks don’t work (well of course they don’t, they were NOT originally created as blocks), there’s only one way to tie your belt, my karate is the strongest, kata is useless…. the list goes on and on.
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As a further example, there are practitioners who translate the name of a technique in Japanese (sometimes incorrectly), and assume this is the ONLY use for that technique.
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Their sensei told them in the 19??’s (insert decade) that the technique is practiced ‘this’ way. Their sensei has written a book to say it was ‘this’ way, and demonstrated it ‘this’ way. Those that believe in their karate, believe in their sensei, believe without question. After all, their sensei practiced their skills with ferocity, with accuracy, and mastery.
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However, there is ALWAYS another way.
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Don’t be rigid, unmovable. You must think for yourself. Take a step back, and think about what you are doing logically. Don’t just try to prove something, try to disprove it too. Do your own research and challenge what you think you know.
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One of the common misunderstandings in the martial arts, is the demonstration of techniques which are successful, every-time.
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Why is this a problem?….…. Because these techniques will sometimes fail. Probably more often than you think.
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The success of any demonstrated technique is largely dependent upon having predetermined knowledge of an attack. A ‘karate style attack’. And real life isn’t like that. It’s unpredictable, chaotic, vicious, and brutal….. and never a ‘karate style attack’.
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Action is always faster than reaction. If you know it’s coming you are better placed to secure your successful technique.
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However, what if you were taught incorrectly all this time? Does it matter to you?
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How you interpret and apply information is what matters. Sometimes you have to step out of the mould, take a step back, think about it yourself, apply logic and common sense, look at things from a different perspective…… and try something a different way.
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“You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.” – Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
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