As you can see from the above clip, Jim Carrey demonstrates perfectly why the martial arts community is sometimes the butt of many a joke. Countless self defense systems teach material solely through rote learning…repetitive physical actions structured in very specific and orderly sequences (known as forms or katas). The student learns these movements in a manner not dissimilar to a dance class. Memorization and performance are graded based on energized and perfected repetition. In many ways, it represents the art in the martial art.
To be fair, drill work is extremely valuable in perfecting the mechanics of a system. Repetitive striking and drills that allow for continuous review of footwork, takedowns and manipulations are the foundation for building the tools a student will use in combat. The application of these tools, however, are what I’m discussing. The sequence with which they are used and the student’s ability to, in fact, apply them given the variables of the moment or the student’s physical abilities has to be taken into account by any qualified instructor.
As Krav Maga’s founder, Imi Lichtenfeld, said when asked about the inclusion of kata in his system,”The same way water will not flow in the same direction if the glass of water is spilled a second time, neither does violence happen the same way twice”. As a result, lessons are taught so that each student understands the reason for each strike, control position or manipulation. Once a student understands the “why”, the “what” becomes easier to intuit. Ultimately, the system is meant to be tailored to each person’s mental and physical ability.
This brings me to my main point.
While learning self-defense, the student’s journey needs to go from doing specific drills that the instructor gives (categorized as prescriptive learning) to doing what feels natural to their instincts and body mechanics (categorized as instinctive learning). Proper instruction teaches the student not just the system principles, but also shows what they themselves can do best.
At Krav Maga Personal Safety, we ensure the understanding of the system as conceived by Imi. We also ensure that the student is capable of applying their physical attributes in the most effective way possible. Ultimately, there are no guarantees how violence will be presented. Teaching a student how to “feel” what will work for them, rather than mandating a specific sequence of movements as prescribed in a drill, is the difference between a higher probability of success or failure.
