# The Importance of Experimentation

- Link: https://brianejohns.com/2022/07/06/blog-the-importance-of-experimentation/
- Published: 2022-07-06T11:30:00-04:00
- Author: Brian Johns

If you are not able to view this video, click [here](https://youtu.be/KGPPTfs0Y9g).

A couple of weeks ago, I published a video called “[Hunting for Disarm #2.](https://youtu.be/T9j--lAQIf4)”
In that video, I identified six spots to execute disarm #2. I tell you that this
was a fun experiment! I encourage everyone to try a [similar experiment](https://brianejohns.com/2022/06/07/blog-wheres-disarm-1/).

As I point out, in the video above, not all disarms will be practical. In particular,
I pointed to one spot where pulling off disarm #2 is impractical.

This is where curiosity and experimentation come into play. Ask yourself, “_Is there
a more efficient technique to deal with this angle or situation?_” Better yet, “
_Is there more than one way to deal with this situation other than disarm #2?_“

In the above video, I offered four responses other than disarm #2. The options I
presented are all much quicker and more efficient.

## Again, experimentation is key. You have to be willing to tinker, play, and experiment. I’ve even experimented with 󠀁[FMA moves on a mook jong](https://brianejohns.com/2014/10/16/blog-fma-on-a-mook-jong/)󠁿!

Further, I encourage my students to do just that as an instructor. Instructors often
take an authoritarian “MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY” approach. Under those instructors,
no independent thinking was permitted, and no experimentation was tolerated. Those
days are long gone.

However, there are limits. First, the students must have solid body structure, appropriate
footwork, centreline awareness and stick fundamentals before I let them experiment.
Secondly, if I see that they have come up with unrealistic options, I will let them
know and demonstrate the weakness of the unwise option. Once those are in place,
I encourage experimentation!

One quote from the late Professor Remy Presas comes to mind: “_He could do dat, 
but I would NOT!_” That always elicited a chuckle from us. I have adapted that for
my students: “_You could do dat, but I would NOT!_”

## Resumption of my Vlog

After a five-month hiatus, I finally recorded another Vlog, clocking in at just 
over 2 minutes.

If you are not able to view the video, click [here](https://youtu.be/u9ZEU0PxWb8).

What inspired this resumption? In a fit of inspiration over the weekend, I came 
up with 30 different vlog topics. While I’ve eliminated some of them due to redundancy,
the list remains intact. I hope that more ideas pop into my head. In any case, I’m
aiming for one Vlog per week.

Now, I know I don’t have the most exciting or sizzling personality in the world.
LOL. Nor do I delve into controversial or extremist content. My wife jokingly told
me the other day, “_Why don’t you put out extremist stuff on your YouTube channel
and drive up the views_?” We both had a good laugh. She knows me too well. Anyway,
keep an eye out for Vlogs every Tuesday!

## Inspiration for the Week

If you are not able to view the video, click [here](https://youtu.be/pEPdU3m1tk4).

After watching this guy, how can anyone come up with an excuse for not training??

## Additional Reading

 * [Hunting for Disarm #2](https://brianejohns.com/2022/06/15/blog-hunting-for-disarm-2/)
 * [Friday Recommendation #18](https://brianejohns.com/2023/09/01/friday-recommendation-18/)
 * [Counters to Disarms](https://brianejohns.com/2016/11/22/blog-counters-to-disarms/)
 * [Fix It Friday: Not Thissss](https://brianejohns.com/2015/07/07/blog-fix-it-friday-not-thissss/)
 * [Where’s Disarm #1?](https://brianejohns.com/2022/06/07/blog-wheres-disarm-1/)

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