Matthew Lawrence
24th August 2001, 15:54
Hello all,
I’m sure everyone has, at one time or another, had the following experience: 1) You receive a correction from your instructor; 2) You work on the problem and eventually believe that you have made the correction; and 3) You receive the same correction from your instructor, not because you just made a mistake, but because what your mind thinks your body is doing, and what your body is actually doing, are two entirely different things.
In my ongoing quest to suck at a higher level and minimize the frequency of the above-described scenario, I have been giving some thought to videotaping my training. I think the benefits of such an approach are fairly obvious. Also, it seems to be a very common component of performance-enhancement methods in Western sports.
On the other hand, I seem to recall reading a passing remark by some budo author/practitioner that more than occasional, infrequent use of mirrors to assist in making technique correction would decrease a student’s kinesthetic awareness and paradoxically ultimately lead to poorer technique. By extension, I would presume that such analysis would apply to videotape review of training. Further, I am concerned that by I might be short-circuiting the ryu’s historical method for helping its adherents progress--show up, train, repeat for long period of time, maybe you improve, maybe not, train anyway. :) Seriously though, maybe that’s a lesson that I shouldn’t try to subvert.
Of course, I haven’t even asked my instructor if I can do this yet, so it may be moot. In the meantime, I was curious if anyone had any opinions on/experience with such an approach.
I’m sure everyone has, at one time or another, had the following experience: 1) You receive a correction from your instructor; 2) You work on the problem and eventually believe that you have made the correction; and 3) You receive the same correction from your instructor, not because you just made a mistake, but because what your mind thinks your body is doing, and what your body is actually doing, are two entirely different things.
In my ongoing quest to suck at a higher level and minimize the frequency of the above-described scenario, I have been giving some thought to videotaping my training. I think the benefits of such an approach are fairly obvious. Also, it seems to be a very common component of performance-enhancement methods in Western sports.
On the other hand, I seem to recall reading a passing remark by some budo author/practitioner that more than occasional, infrequent use of mirrors to assist in making technique correction would decrease a student’s kinesthetic awareness and paradoxically ultimately lead to poorer technique. By extension, I would presume that such analysis would apply to videotape review of training. Further, I am concerned that by I might be short-circuiting the ryu’s historical method for helping its adherents progress--show up, train, repeat for long period of time, maybe you improve, maybe not, train anyway. :) Seriously though, maybe that’s a lesson that I shouldn’t try to subvert.
Of course, I haven’t even asked my instructor if I can do this yet, so it may be moot. In the meantime, I was curious if anyone had any opinions on/experience with such an approach.