Principles of Training
It is essential to be aware of what are the limits within which you
practice. Injuries in the dojang most often occur when the student fails
to pay attention to their instructor, or neglects the principles of their
limits. Everything has a limit.
Another aspect of concentration is related
to the power of Ki training. Ki training is a state of consciousness
that may be characterized as meditation, and heightened receptivity
to learning. “With a calm
mind, one is free from hesitation.” Nothing can be learned without
patience.
Perfection of techniques requires deeply ingrained habits, and a mental
attitude of thoroughness. The perfection of techniques requires that
they become second nature and reflexive. Perfection in the martial arts
is like a jewel. It is merely a rough stone until it is polished. If
not polished, no one will know its inner beauty. Training is the same.
Speed
Every technique requires speed. There are counter-defenses
to all known offenses. Therefore, techniques must be done with greatest
speed and efficiency.
Conservation Of Energy
Perhaps the most difficult
aspect of the martial arts is to master how to conserve energy and to
relax in stressful situations. Ki cannot be released if the body is stricken
with inner tension or fear. Tension is also the greatest consumer of
energy; even when the body is not in motion one can exhaust oneself simply
by being tense. When you are calm, you are free from hesitation, and
when you exhale, the Ki sinks down to the Dan Jun. These are essential
elements in the conservation of energy.
Respect And Obedience
One of the most essential tests
of character is whether the student is humble enough to subordinate his
own personal ego to the rules of the dojang and respect the gravity of
his new powers. The martial arts are not a store-bought item that you
are entitled to just because you pay for the lessons. The burden is too
great, the reflection larger than the individual.
Reprinted with permission of Mr. Philip Ameris, Technical Director, A.I.M.A.A.