What is it with you people and "formal instruction"?

[evenflow1121]

Though you say that a self taught artist can be just as good as one with formal training, both have to start their training in the beginning, the main difference is that the guy with a formal instructor (if the instructor is legitimate and not some clown) has an advantage because s/he is already being filtered right off the bat, as opposed to someone without formal training who must learn through a more rigid form or trial and error. Wouldnt you agree that it would take longer for someone who is self-taught as opposed to someone with a solid instructor with a good foundation, to learn what is effective?

 

[Bester]

Steve,

You can't learn any art by just playing power ranger or ninja in your back yard.

A library of books, videos and an equally untrained buddy or 3 is no substitute for the guidence of a professional.

There are nuances to things that you will miss. Grips, footwork, correct angles and flow.

Cutting tatami isn't it, neither is wacking away with boffer sticks. If you watch the movies and think thats real, it's not. It's show. Reality isn't Samurai X.

You can learn the basics. You may even get to be ok. But you won't get good, and definately won't be great without the hands on guidence of someone who lives the stuff 24/7/365.


Oh, and you seem to be new to the forums. Welcome. Heres something that might help you fit in better when dealing with those who have gone before you.:
http://www.onlinenetiquette.com/netiquette_101.html

 

[Swordlady]

If I can find one willing to train me in some weapons styles, I would like to learn from them, but I still have no interest in unarmed combat. That will never change. So, I'll look around and try to keep an open mind, and try to trust in my instructor as best I can, if I find one, though I'll always be a "Why should it be done this way?" and overall inquisitive type of learner.

I'm not going to rehash what others have already said, but I will provide you a few links to help you locate a dojo:

Kendo: http://www.kendo-usa.org/statedojolist.htm

Aikido: http://www.aikiweb.com/search/

Link to different martial art styles: http://martial-arts-network.com/orgs.php

No matter where you decide to train, you will have to learn empty-hand techniques. Believe me, learning those techniques help you with weapons training.

Although I am several years removed from my Tae Kwon Do days during my teen years, those old skills are pretty handy in my present-day JSA training.

Best of luck in your search.

 

[KenpoTess]

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