The martial arts?

Question

can you master the martial arts learning from books and the internet? or will you need to go to a dojo and learn from an instructor to be able to learn it correctly? i want to learn from an instructor but cannot afford the money to.

Answer 1

I would say do as much as you can however you can.  When I was much younger, I trained with my brother through books and magazines, primarily due to an inability to afford formal training and a lack of support from my parents.  While we did practice techniques we read about, I can honestly say I thought I was a lot better than I actually was.  The problem with this form of training is that you miss details of techniques and can't experience the technique executed properly--you can only assume you're doing it right.

I can say, however, that our training did benefit me when I began formal training.  While I developed many bad habits during my self-training, I also learned fundamentals of techniques and movements.

I encourage you to train as much as you can on your own, but assure you that it's deng near impossible to grow properly in your skill without formal training.  I implore you to humble yourself in your personal training, because, as any training will do, you will gain a great deal of confidence.  Unfortunately, you will more than likely not be as efficient in self-defense as you think you are.  Be smart about your training, and, above all, be safe.  Train with a friend if you can.  Good luck!

Answer 2

for the price of a couple books or videos...you can probably find a school and attend a months worth of classes.

you can learn much from books and videos. the problem with them is there is no correspondance with the instructor to correct mistakes.

so if you go with books and videos...use them in addition to, not instead of real training in a school.

or....get an actual distance learning program that was specifically designed to teach people. rather than just demo.

the important thing is that the videos and books are instruction, not demonstrational. and that you will have corrections from a real instructor...and will actually be tested. most often you will videotape yourself doing the art, and send it to the instructor for review.

i've spoken to many of them, very high ranking, and respected individuals in the arts, pioneers themselves. and more than one has told me that their DLP (distance learning program) students actually learn and progress faster than their normal students.

about the biggest problem is finding other people to practice wtih...and spar with.

Answer 3

What books and internet do for you is give you a good understanding of what the martial art is about. To go deeper and actually apply the art you need an instructor. A book or an video on the internet will not tell you when you are wrong, but an instructor can.

For your money issue, save up some money and you will eventually find a dojo that fits you. If you really want to learn, you can learn.

Answer 4

go to the dojo im a grand master in martial arts iv learned averything from the dojo teacher DOJO

Answer 5

Books are good to learn basics from but for advanced techniques you need someone to practise and drill the techniques with. Also without an instructor, who will be able to tell you whether or not you are doing something wrong?

Answer 6

Well,

I strongly sugest that you go to a local dojo, and learn from a certified Sensei.

Books and the internet are a good source for things such as katas, and techniques, but honestly you cannot master martial arts without a Sensei. Some dojos will let you make payments, or work something out with you so you will be able to afford classes.

Good Luck. :)

Answer 7

I've been told "We learn our art by our Master's hand".  Thinking can be powerful and useful but doing is paramount in any art.  The action is what trains muscle memory, allows one to improve upon mistakes, test your ability, grow mentally and physically learn the art.

You cannot improve your V02 max by thinking about it.  You must train your cardiovascular system daily over time to increase your efficiency.  

To truly understand any art, any concept any physical idea you must first feel it.  

Possibly after many years of physical instruction under a properly trained instructor you may be able to learn nuances of a particular throw, kick, leverage or concept by observing it on a video.   But truthfully after watching countless videos online nothing improves my skill better than executing what I have been shown in a live environment.  When you are taught by an instructor you can move around, observe from many angles, observe with precise clarity and truly understand all aspects of a concept when taught.  You can also question your instructor on finer details as well.

What good is a martial art if you only know a one dimensional aspect that you can mimic poorly to some degree?

Time, repetition, focus, proper training and careful correction are the only way to effectively and safely learn any martial art.

Go talk to the gym owner you wish to learn from.  I know many instructors who will allow a less fortunate student to sweep, mop or clean the studio in exchange for training.  

As a martial arts instructor I know the greatest crime is to prevent a truly humble student from learning his chosen craft.  All great instructors I have ever known teach freely to anyone who wishes only to learn.

Go ask.  You never know what surprise lies ahead for you.

Best Regards,

KK

Answer 8

you can't learn martial arts that way cause you won't get real life experiance

Answer 9

books and the internet are fine in the begining to learn basics  but in oreder to really become good at it, in person teaching is really the only way to really learn how to defend your self properly and as efficiently as possible

Answer 10

No, you  cannot.

Can you learn to drive an airplane by reading books?

You'd learn just the theory.