Training vs. Practice

[Tacticus]

I have noticed in the past few months, that the physical challenge isn't as intense as it was in the summer. I am trying to keep up the physical intensity, but when I practice the Defender Combat Scenarios, I find that time runs out before I can really work up a sweat.

In October, when Eric Lamkin came in for a seminar, I remember him pointing out the difference between training, practicing and something else. But I forget what it was and the whole point of what the topic was about. But at the time it made sense to me and I thought that as soon as the seminar is over, I am going to start practicing just like he said.

Could someone remind me of what I have forgotten?

Tacticus

[Maximus]

This question came up during the seminar when someone asked why some martial artists would rather talk “about” combat theory rather than develop skills. It is a natural assumption to believe that martial artist would be more interested training to develop effective skills rather than hold endless debates to show off intellectual skills (regardless if they have any basis in fact). I made the observation that students approach the martial arts in one of three ways—to Study, to Practice, or to Train. At first glance it would seem that these three terms would be virtually synonymous, but as I explained they lead the student along different paths.

People who described themselves as “hobbyists” or “enthusiasts” limit their exposure to Study. Study refers to an intellectual pursuit rather than a physical. These individuals are proud of their extensive knowledge and exposure to various disciplines and teachers, but they are unable to demonstrate or apply this knowledge. When challenged, they will provide excuses or skillfully talk their way out of this difficult situation in order to protect their fragile egos.

The majority of martial artists come to class in order to Practice skills. These skills are developed (sometimes to astonishing levels) for self-gratification, rank attainment, athletic pursuit, or performance. Often, these skills require such exact conditions for performance that they have little value outside of the school (dojo). If the student botches his skill, he blames his partner. A common excuse heard is, “I couldn’t do my technique on you because you attacked me wrong.”

Study and Practice are essential elements for the fighter, but you must put both of these together in a program designed to prepare for personal combat. When you prepare yourself daily, you are Training. As an analogy, consider a bicycle. You may study about bicycles and you may even practice on a stationary bike, but you will never know how to truly ride a bicycle until you take the training wheels off and keep pedaling. This is true of the martial arts as well. You must Study the art and Practice the skills, but you must apply them by Training. This is what makes the Elite Fighter System a complete system of modern personal combat.

-Maximus

[warrior-scholar]

It was very humbling for me to read your post. Although I have read the materials for the first two levels and all the other posted materials (toughness training etc.), this particular post has unnerved me. I really couldn't tell you before thinking about it why I have spent time and money on learning Kenpo. Of course, as my name suggests I probably began studying for the knowledge. It also helps to be able to put your buddies on the ground when they mess with you. However, those were the college days. Why do I continue to spend my time on this endeavor? Do I expect somebody to attack me one day for a glorious moment in the hero spotlight? Do I want people to respect me for having this skill? Do I even think this is a practical thing? Well, the answers to these questions are irrelevant because I am simply not putting the time and effort into training that I deceive myself into believing I am. Why am I saying this? Well, maybe it helps me personally with accountability. Actually, I am hoping someone else out there is experiencing the same self-doubt or martial arts existential crisis (that sounds more intellectual). Whatever the reason I started training, the goal is excellence. If we are not striving for excellence in this pursuit we are not pursuing the proper thing. Thanks for sharing with me in my moment of honesty.
Warrior-Scholar

[Maximus]

Believe it or not, I have been at this point many times in my martial art career! And it was during these times that I often found myself, as you have, analyzing my intentions and deciding whether or not the effort was worthwhile. After careful analysis, I discovered that I was actually asking myself if “I” was worthwhile of this pursuit. Self-doubt and self-frustration is often the burden of those who are truly sincere about the martial arts. It is during these moments that you are challenged by the greatest opponent that you will ever face—yourself.

Throughout my career, my goals and motivations changed as I changed and developed. If these goals hadn’t changed, I do not believe that I would have accomplished what I have. I remember that my first motivation to learn was to emulate and please my brother. Unfortunately, this did not provide the necessary motivation that I sought and I stopped training for a time. I was then motivated to study to defend myself—this was in part, I think, out of fear of my own limitations rather than an actual threat. In both cases, my motivations were external, I was seeking the praise of a person I respected or I was seeking protection from one I feared. Motivations such as these may inspire for a time, but they are short-lived.

It wasn’t until I was 18 that I believe that I found the key to lasting motivation. I found a rewarding experience in the practice itself. I quickly acquired knowledge and advanced through the ranks. In fact, my mental skills far outweighed my physical skills. It would take some time for my physical skills to catch up to my knowledge. During the next couple of years I became an instructor and found myself leading others. It was during this time that new motivations (which became stumbling blocks) appeared. There were times when I trained to keep my skills ahead of others, to become “the greatest fighter”, to compete against others and win awards, etc. In each case, I quickly became discouraged and questioned myself. This lead to a decrease in training and further self-doubt because I felt that I just didn’t have what it took.

The key to my perseverance has been finding a personal satisfaction in the process itself and not the end result. If your goal is to become an Elite-Fighter, then you will only end by frustrating yourself. Your focus is on the goal and not the process. If your goal is to possess the skills necessary to be “undefeatable in combat”, then you are actually appeasing fear. Your focus is on your ego and not your True Self. In both cases, you are seeking external rather than internal satisfactions. When you try to feed your ego or soothe the pains of self-doubt, you will find that you are feeding a monster with an insatiable appetite. But, if on your journey through the process of training you battle self-doubt and find the true satisfaction of accomplishment, then you will discover rewards that you never knew existed.

I strongly encourage you to read Toughness Training. It is a free download.

http://www.elite-fighters.com/library/downloads/Toughness_Training.pdf

Please pay particular attention to pages 27-31.

I hope this helps!

Keep your head up,

Gladiator

[warrior-scholar]

Thank you for your words of insight and encouragement. Somehow I knew you would refer me to the Toughness Tranining Manual (which I have read about 4 times). Sometimes I need to hear things multiple times before they impact me.

[Merc]

Thank you for your words of insight and encouragement. Somehow I knew you would refer me to the Toughness Tranining Manual (which I have read about 4 times). Sometimes I need to hear things multiple times before they impact me.

Warrior-Scholar, you are not alone. I too have had similar doubts. I find myself asking if it is worth the time and energy when a lot of other guys my age (45) are content with Monday night football, barbeques and an occasional round of golf. I certainly enjoy those things, but I also need the challenge and self-fulfillment that comes from a good hard workout. I?m not saying you should pursue Martial Arts to the exclusion of other interests, family and friends. You can?t neglect your family for any personal pursuit, but also don?t use it as an excuse (as I have at times). The key is balance and priorities.



I?ve never been one to just exercise for the sake of sweating. The total package needs to be engaged, body, mind and spirit. The Martial Arts, together with Christian faith, satisfies that need. Oh, I know I?ll never be a champion fighter, but that isn?t important to me. The quest is what gives me purpose. The opportunity to be a better human being each and every day. Sure, I?m not as fast as I was at 18, but I?m a lot better. And when I?m 80, I intend to be better than I am today, even if I?m in a wheelchair. And someday I hope to pass that ethic along to my grandchildren.



The Elite-Fighters system is one of the only programs I?ve seen that engages the total person. So strive for personal balance, and give an appropriate priority to your training, one day at a time.



Oh yes, just in case no one has mentioned it yet, you really should read ?Toughness Training? J



Merc