One of the student mind-sets that I encounter from time to time as a teacher of martial arts is the “I know” attitude to what is being presented (i.e. continually looking at something and assuming that they already know everything there is to know about it.). More often than not the student does not know the details of what is being taught and is merely expressing an egotistical attitude son that he/she will appear superior in other students’ minds.
This attitude and mindset can be very inhibiting on the student’s progress and also the development of the entire group, because it tends to create thoughts in the other students minds that interfere with their learning.
Each student will learn the particular techniques, of a discipline, at their own pace which is to a large degree dependent on their commitment to learning and their understanding of the basic principles.
This latter factor, and the ability to learn the intricacies of the particular techniques, is also very dependent on the students willingness to learn the details that are essential for the efficient performance of the maneuver, that you are endeavoring to impart to them.
Those students that come with the “I know” attitude will often struggle to pick up the finer points, because their receptivity, and thus concentration on the details, is lacking.
Students being coached in Thai Boxing.
This mind-set is in great danger of manifesting itself into an attitude that, as the skill difficulty increases, they still know it all and they miss the points that are required to give true mastery of the complexity. And while this may have little effect in the competitions or challenges they face early on in their learning. As they encounter higher level competition, and greater challenges, their technical ability will be challenged.
In addition, if their goal is merely to excel in the competition aspect of a particular pursuit (I refer directly to the martial arts scene in particular, although this can also apply in other pursuits) then the attributes of strength, speed, fitness and having the time devoid of many other responsibilities, will give them a good degree of success without a high level of technical ability.
However, martial arts can provide so much more than the competitive challenge with subsequent “victory rush”.
Statistics on the reasons that people practice martial arts indicate that only about 5 % of practitioners learn martial arts for competition. The majority are learning as a way to develop confidence, get fit and as a means of self protection.
In addition, for those of us who find that we enjoy martial arts, it provides an element to our lives that contributes a great deal mentally, physically and spiritually to whatever age we wish to take it. It is when we continue our training and pursuit of the higher values that Martial arts offers, that we find the pursuit of higher technical ability of great value.
I would encourage you as a student to always keep your mind open and receptive to learning. This will greatly enhance your learning and enjoyment of the particular pursuit that you are engaged in.
It is the details that will increase your chances of success in anything that you practice. And it is the details that will help you on your way to mastery and give you the life enhancing benefits that will allow you to continue training and really enjoy life into your later years.
“To be conscious that you are ignorant is a great step to knowledge.” Benjamin Disraeli (1804 – 1881)
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