The Requirements For Learning A Martial Art.

[clouddragon]

I was inspired to start this thread by a recent post where it was mentioned that one of our new members didn't practice out of class. So to kick start the thread here are the requirements needed to learn the art of Tai Chi Chuan
1. Practice (in and out of class)
2. Look and listen
3. Think first, then ask
4. Be neither too harsh or too soft with training partners
5.Constantly seek to learn both inside and outside of class
6. Train and compete honestly

[Jreg]

I was inspired to start this thread by a recent post where it was mentioned that one of our new members that they didn't practice out of class. So to kick start the thread here are the requirements needed to learn the art of Tai Chi Chuan
1. Practice (in and out of class)
2. Look and listen
3. Think first, then ask
4. Be neither too harsh or too soft with training partners
5.Constantly seek to learn both inside and outside of class
6. Train and compete honestly

I agree and would say that the points made apply to all Martial Arts.

When I was training in Tae Kwon Do the points that where thought and practiced from day one were:

1. Modesty
2. Courtesy
3. Integrity
4. Perseverance
5. Self Control
6. Indomitable Spirit

All of which I have applied to my training and personal life.

[ashley]

Good basic list clouddragon.

If I could add to this by saying a student should:

7. Forget about chasing predetermined goals too fast.

By this I mean, getting a black belt in 2 years, trying to learn a form ahead of yourself or even trying to take in too much at once. Just like learning a language, martial arts requires the basics to be programmed into your body before you can move on to more advanced things, otherwise you will be stuck with those imperfections for longer.

[Jreg]

Good basic list clouddragon.

If I could add to this by saying a student should:

7. Forget about chasing predetermined goals too fast.

By this I mean, getting a black belt in 2 years, trying to learn a form ahead of yourself or even trying to take in too much at once. Just like learning a language, martial arts requires the basics to be programmed into your body before you can move on to more advanced things, otherwise you will be stuck with those imperfections for longer.

Yeah we were always told that too, and the importance of long term and short term goal.

Long term goal would be earning your black belt, short term goal would be to learn your new Pattern/Hyung

[Godwin]

Good topic...... but ashley, i guess like all enthusiastic martial artists, you too must have had that burning desire to learn all the patterns quickly and impress your teacher when he watched your technique and stepping for the first time