One thing that is important I feel as a martial practitioner is to know the history of the Martial Sciences. This can help to clear up a lot of confusion about what is old, new, who worked out and was taught by whom, how things evolved the way they did, etc. By knowing the history you can avoid pitfalls that other practitioner’s have fallen into thereby increasing your productivity and overall experience. As a martial practitioner you also owe it to yourself not just to know the history of the Martial Sciences but also to practice hard right now. Study what is available to you and improve! Eliminate obstacles that get in your way and grow! Pursue your passion now with all your heart and succeed! Beyond the now though you also need to think and plan for your future. Where will I be five years from now, ten or more. Will I be able to continue at this pace or will I need to tweak things a bit. Does my system or style have growth for older practitioner’s or at that point will it be ineffective or unworkable for an aging adult. What are my goals for the future? You see, if you are serious about the Martial Sciences it is just not enough to live in the here and now. No, instead you need to know the history and why of things as well as plan for the future! Only then can you call yourself a true martial practitioner!
See You On The Mats!
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Brian R. VanCise
Note: This Blog is opinion only and Instinctive Response Training LLC nor Brian R. VanCise is responsible for any third party actions taken.
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Know the history of your chosen art and learn about the culture from which it comes and you will be a better practitioner of your art. Practice hard now and have goals and plan for the future but do not focus on the future or your goal to much or you will not train as hard as you should now.
Something I once actually did tell one of my taiji students many years ago when I use to teach and they were talking about the things that had done and the things they were going to so “Remembering the past, dreaming of the future, forgetting the now”
History is important… goals are important….. analysis is important… but don’t forget to live (and train) now.
Great post Tim!