Much
of what we manifest through our training physically, mentally, and
spiritually in our studio is based upon the individual nature of one’s personal
learning journey.
We all have unique learning styles that fit into our own interests and path.
Our own way tends to emerge as we uncover things through learning,
internalizing and personalizing.
Connecting our concentration and feelings
internally with our intentions and focus externally allows the mind and body to
harmonize. Our true spirit, our own personal expression, is revealed and
manifested. This does not come about easily when we seek to be the best that we
can be, no matter the selected endeavour. Consistency in practice is central
to developing both the specifics of any particular drill and the many
developing attributes. The learner at times receives little encouragement as
each individual needs to find the way within themselves.
Science has demonstrated that we retain as much as 90% of information
when we teach and 75% when we simply do things. Being receptive to receiving direction from
another requires a high level of developed relationship where who, what, when, where,
why and how are central to ones' ability to pickup (the real black belt). Sensory rich experiences such as tactile drills, in particular,
guarantee a higher level of learning and retention.
As
we age (and everyone does!) our body changes and the personal things that we
need to develop will also change (so we need to adapt to this).
One
of the first attributes to have, no matter what your age, is open mindedness
- for us this means looking at other cultures and martial arts. Actually go
into an art and be that practitioner (without comparing or trying to say which
is better). Not only do we uncover/discover
things about ourselves, but we start to understand other cultures including
their history, people, and philosophy. Other cultures think differently - they
are not just expressing the same thought.
Systems
and training methods change all the 'time' so we prefer to be open to continual
professional development. It is central to understanding that change
will occur only when we improve ourselves (not simply say I am changing or
I need to change).
