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Antagony · 06-28-2003, 01:11 AM

Knowing theory isn't knowing a martial art.

The martial arts are physical, spiritual, and mental. You can learn the theory by reading a book, although many books don't lay out much theory because they expect you to learn most of it from your master. The physical and spiritual elements (which are far more emphasized than the mental) can only be attained through physical practice.

Beating a martial artist in a fight doesn't make you a martial artist. It just means you found a way to circumvent what they've practiced. I could probably defeat anyone who has practiced boxing and is relatively near my weight simply because I'd be using my long legs to prevent them from making any effective attacks. This doesn't mean I am a boxer.

The practical side of martial arts (meaning the ability to actually defend one's self in a physical conflict) is mostly about what I've heard coined as "muscle memory". The term refers to reflexive responses between our brains and bodies.

For a simple example, take a short kata. Martial artists frequently learn katas. One of the purposes behind this is for effectively learning patterns. We can eventually apply these patterns without the slightest thought, because it is a reflexive response. But this connection only happens through physical practice. You can think about it all day long, but your brain isn't going to just spit it out in the middle of combat unless you have physically done the movements. The connection isn't made otherwise -- cognition simply isn't enough.

Surely you've read about these things in your "study of the martial arts".

06-28-2003, 01:11 AM	#41 (permalink)
Antagony Psychopathic Akimbo Action Pirate Location: ...between Christ and Belial.	Knowing theory isn't knowing a martial art. The martial arts are physical, spiritual, and mental. You can learn the theory by reading a book, although many books don't lay out much theory because they expect you to learn most of it from your master. The physical and spiritual elements (which are far more emphasized than the mental) can only be attained through physical practice. Beating a martial artist in a fight doesn't make you a martial artist. It just means you found a way to circumvent what they've practiced. I could probably defeat anyone who has practiced boxing and is relatively near my weight simply because I'd be using my long legs to prevent them from making any effective attacks. This doesn't mean I am a boxer. The practical side of martial arts (meaning the ability to actually defend one's self in a physical conflict) is mostly about what I've heard coined as "muscle memory". The term refers to reflexive responses between our brains and bodies. For a simple example, take a short kata. Martial artists frequently learn katas. One of the purposes behind this is for effectively learning patterns. We can eventually apply these patterns without the slightest thought, because it is a reflexive response. But this connection only happens through physical practice. You can think about it all day long, but your brain isn't going to just spit it out in the middle of combat unless you have physically done the movements. The connection isn't made otherwise -- cognition simply isn't enough. Surely you've read about these things in your "study of the martial arts". __________________ On the outside I'm jazz, but my soul is rock and roll. Sleep is a waste of time. Join the Insomniac Club. "GYOH GWAH-DAH GREH BLAAA! SROH WIH DIH FLIH RYOHH!!" - The Locust Last edited by Antagony; 06-28-2003 at 01:16 AM..