We start by teaching front grabs one and two. We introduce the student to the technique, naming it by its number. Is it any wonder that students from that point on focus on what number they have and what numbers they need for the next test? I contribute to it by asking during pre-tests, ‘What numbers do you need?’ We do need a common nomenclature to refer the techniques so that everyone is on the same page; and for this the numbers work very well indeed.
I have for a long time held the belief that our training has never been about the number itself. In real life, I will use whatever elements will work for a specific situation. The situation will depend on the distance between me and the attacker, the attacker’s size, the weapon the attacker is holding, the bystanders that I might be standing next too, etc. The variables make it so that you can’t start at number one and fast forward through the numbers looking for the one that fits the situation. Real life won’t give you the luxury of time to decide the technique that best fits the situation. Real life requires quick analysis of the situation and then action. The physical training prepares our bodies to move quickly and efficiently after we have made the determination of the course of action that is required. The physical training also prepares our minds in several ways. If we have never taken a hit, we don’t know how to handle the hit when it does come. During a real situation, we will become tired more quickly than we would in a training class. A real situation causes adrenaline and a change in breathing patterns. This gives an energy boost initially, but quickly we can become fatigued. Our training allows us to handle the fatigue. This is one of the main reasons why we train hard.
Before I continue, I would like to point that sure, there are schools that never take you to the edge mentally and physically. And there are schools that never make contact. This is not a service to the students. There are even schools that might actually be too rough...this also is not a service to the students. After all, we do want to train together tomorrow, right? Where is the balance found? I’ll discuss this is in an upcoming message.
Rigorous training allows the student to become hardened mentally and physically. Continuous activity and drilling the techniques makes the techniques second nature. Now the student is ready for the next level. This is the level where there is no such thing as numbers. This is where the student experiments with various combinations and begins to develop their own favorite combinations that fit with their unique body style. This level is only reached after previous levels have been successfully accomplished. You cannot start at this level without the mind and body having been properly prepared.
Some students will want to jump straight to this level. Instructors should caution these students to first get the basics down and make sure they have the numbers as if they are second nature. This is required first before true progression can occur.
Some students will seek the numbers as if they were awards or trophies that can be collected. Having been shown the number and being able to superficially repeat the technique does not constitute mastery of that technique. Students that are simply collecting numbers need to be redirected back to number one and prove their level of mastery of the numbers starting at the beginning with number 1.
Students that have trouble remembering their numbers fall into two categories: those that have not let the techniques take root in the physical memory portion of their brain, or that do not have a proper retrieval method for gaining access to their physical memories. This of course assumes that the student is properly practicing their material on a repeated basis in and out of the dojo (without proper practice, there are no physical memories to access).
Part of the Instructor’s job as they work with students is to help them to make up meaningful names that can be associated with the numbers. This aids in the retrieval process. But the student must still make the association between the number and the name and the physical action, which is done by repeated practice.
Instructors should teach the numbers because they are the basics of what must be mastered. In your own training, spend time contemplating your unique qualities and apply this to your training. As you work in the circle, practice your numbers and also practice just letting it flow. As I tell the Black Belts, “Do not soften your hits too much.” Doing so weakens you and your training partner. But do make adjustments for the belt level of the person you are training with.
And remember, don’t cause injury! Hit hard without damaging – but learn exactly how much force is needed to actually do damage. At the end of a session, a student should know that they have just trained with a black belt. Not just because of the power of the hits, but because of the mastery of control. Nothing says Black Belt more than a fist coming full speed that stops at the top layers of skin and doesn’t cause damage.
Students: Know your numbers. Instructors: Teach the numbers. Everyone: Do not get trapped by the numbers. Martial arts is more than just the numeric techniques we use for organized dojo training and testing. Remember: Martial Artists are leaders and are examples to everyone we meet and train with. Whether you want to be an example or not, you ARE an example. So let’s be GOOD examples.
As always, Train Strong to Remain Strong!
-Sifu Kelly Corder
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