The Art of Self Correction

I think it's safe to say, "To excel at any physical endeavor you must know your own body."

Regarding karate, or any martial art, this is especially true, For it's not the mere performance of the techniques which makes one an expert, but the deeper understanding of how these movements translate to self defense scenarios and the ability to apply them in non-compliant situations.

This is where the art of self correction becomes so important. As you absorb your teacher's lessons and are corrected in the dojo, you must remember and correctly apply them on your own. As you become more proficient you begin testing what you've learned to the point of making their application your own. Listening to your body, interpreting what it's suggesting, is the best way to learn karate techniques.

For a new karateka, learning very different gross motor skills just feels "strange". As these skills (think stepping punch) are practiced they begin to make sense, but only to a certain point as dojo learned in a class situation, unless you have a knowledgeable and willing upper level student willing to spend time pointing out the finer aspects of each technique. Even with this assistance only a certain plateau of knowledge can be attained. It's the personal, self training which elevates the karateka to the next level of expertise - self training based on understanding one's body dynamics and limitations, as well as the purpose of each part of the body's synchronized members working in unison.

All technique must be seen in three stages: beginning, middle and end. The technique must be practiced repeatedly in a relaxed manner in a 1-2-3 format - slow thoughtful comprehension of the stage of the technique you are performing it is being translated from your body to your mind; then back from mind to body. The instantaneous response only comes with repetition which corrects itself through comprehension of the purpose of the technique time over time over time. Over time the practice of relaxed movement into intense kime then nearly instantaneously back to a relaxed, prepared state (to retreat or continue the attack, decisions made in milliseconds) is made natural. For this is what you strive for in karate.

Well, that's all for now.