Many instructors within the martial arts community hold the position that through repetition, the execution of a particular technique and/or movement will become instinctive, thus enabling the student to better defend himself in an actual self-defense situation. Admittedly, there can be many positive benefits associated with a repetitive training routine such as improved endurance, flexibility, balance, coordination, speed and power. However, my contention is that such a limited approach, which lacks any emphasis on the development of decision-making skills, will not enable the student to instinctively execute a series of learned techniques in an efficient manner.
The criteria used to promote students through the belt ranks is based largely on one's ability to repeat a memorized set of self-defense techniques and/or to perform a prearranged series of techniques, called forms. Some schools include sparring as a requirement for advancement. Still others require participation in a number of self-defense seminars and sport karate competitions. Some schools even require the breaking of boards for advancement. Unfortunately, when evaluating one's skill level based solely upon such criteria, many attributes that should be associated with the legitimate martial artist can be overlooked. Unless the student acquires a genuine understanding regarding the WHENs and WHYs associated with various techniques and movements; it's highly unlikely he will possess the decision-making skills required to exercise good judgement during a real life self-defense situation.
Unfortunately, there is a widespread tendency in the martial arts community for students to over-rely on their instructors for guidance rather than learning to depend upon themselves for expression. Such unthinking devotion results in a dependent mind. Independent inquiry, which is absolutely crucial to genuine understanding, is sacrificed. The author concurs with the legendary Bruce Lee in that set patterns, techniques and forms can touch only the fringe of true understanding. The core of genuine understanding does not necessarily reside with the high ranking members of the martial arts community, nor does it lie in any particular style, rather it lies in the individual mind, and until that is touched, everything truly is superficial.
The relationship between a student and his instructor is of vital importance and often plays a pivotal role in the student's growth and development. The sensei must be accepting of the fact that no two people learn in exactly the same way and as-such he should be willing to address the concerns of each student on an individual basis. The role of a sensei is to be that of a mentor, one who shares his insights in such a way as to promote self-reliance. A true sensei will never allow his thoughts to be confined to the dictates of any particular style of martial art. Rather his focus is directed toward using the practical aspects of self-defense training to dramatically change the student's perspective on life for the better.
It is truly disappointing to see so many students learning to remember techniques for the sake of satisfying the minimum requirements associated with a belt exam. Individuals engaging in efforts of repeating techniques for the sake of material gratification are missing a golden opportunity to gain a much deeper sense of meaning and purpose from their involvement in the martial arts. Students whose training is comprised of simply repeating movements that have been memorized will NEVER reach their full potential. It is absolutely essential for each student to transcend beyond set techniques in order to function effectively during situations that stray from the norm. Unfortunately, my experience has been that the typical student has tremendous difficulty maintaining his poise and effectively applying what he has been taught when presented with situations that deviate from the norm.
Typically, a short period of time is required to demonstrate an ability to consistently strike a stationary object with power and speed. Likewise, a minimal amount of time is usually required to become proficient at blocking idealized strikes. However, it's an entirely different matter learning to defend oneself against a real person who is fully intent on imposing his will upon you and who offer resistance to your every action. Learning to maintain your poise in the midst of a real confrontation requires not only strength of a physical nature but also demands a high degree of mental discipline.
Free-style sparring and randori are unquestionably excellent forums in which one can explore why certain techniques are effective while others are not. Be aware that even people who train regularly in a free-style setting are not immune from adopting methodical routines, oftentimes over-relying on a limited number of well understood techniques rather than flowing freely with the wide variety of circumstances that present themselves. In order to gain the full benefit that can be achieved from free-style sparring and/or randori, one must first understand the necessity of adapting to the environment.
