# Martial Arts Training and Learning

- Link: https://brianejohns.com/2013/08/04/blog-training/
- Published: 2013-08-04T21:54:00-04:00
- Author: Brian Johns

## Recently, I came across a quote from Rickson Gracie that nicely sums up my training and learning philosophy:

> 
> “When you train you should put more emphasis on learning than competing with 
> your partner.” In other words,  Rickson is emphasizing the technical side of the
> art without using muscle or strength. Competition brings in emotion which inhibits
> the learning process and usually involves elements of muscle and strength. Thus
> when training, students should focus more on the learning process rather than 
> competing.  His advice dovetails nicely with the practice of Modern Arnis.

I emphasize to those starting in Modern Arnis to forget about using muscle or strength
to get their way as they will set themselves up for various counters. I encourage
them to move away from strength and focus more on the technical side of the art.
Often, more relaxed people can “see” more than those who rely on muscle as their
default mode. Those who are relaxed often see more counters than those who rely 
on strength. In short, focus more on training and learning rather than competition.

It takes a while for the practitioner to figure this out. Often, I see some who 
go to the other end of the spectrum and become the physical equivalent of wet noodles.
In that case, I must guide them back to the “_happy medium”_ and tell them to be“
_firm but pliable_.”

The more one emphasizes the learning process while training, the more that person
will understand the technique that is being trained. Further, the student will better
understand the various options one can employ from any given position or situation.
We are training more than just physical pliability; we also train mental and emotional
flexibility.

Suppose one regularly uses muscle or strength as the default mode in training. In
that case, there is a good chance that students will also become mentally rigid 
and limit their ability to see various options or counters in any given situation
or position. Mental rigidity in training will not serve one well in a real-life 
situation. Further, it impedes the learning process.

The above applies not only to Modern Arnis but to any martial art. Check out this
demonstration by Rickson and Royler Gracie.

If you are not able to see this video, click [here](https://youtu.be/9Bxb9N-9ZmI).

## Ultimately, it is best to train with a focus on learning rather than competing.

## Additional Reading

 * [Friday Recommendation #6](https://brianejohns.com/2021/04/16/blog-friday-recommendation-6/)
 * [Crappy Hip to Bionic Hip: My FMA Footwork Reboot](https://brianejohns.com/2023/06/14/crappy-hip-to-bionic-hip-my-fma-footwork-reboot/)
 * [The Vital Triad: Leg Strength, Balance, and Stability](https://brianejohns.com/2023/07/05/the-vital-triad-leg-strength-balance-and-stability/)
 * [5 Easy Ways to Learn in Class!](https://brianejohns.com/2015/03/23/blog-5-easy-ways-to-learn-in-class/)
 * [Forget About Winning or Losing](https://brianejohns.com/2020/12/14/blog-forget-about-winning-or-losing/)

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