From time to time, you’ll see promotions, flyers, and invites to various martial arts seminars around town or in nearby cities. Many feature famous celebrities, while others feature lesser-known but equally talented martial artists. Chances are, they do not teach YOUR style of martial arts. Is it worth it?
Absolutely! Here’s why attending these seminars can be highly beneficial:
1. Different Instructor
Experiencing how another teaches is a fantastic way to see diversity in instruction methods. Each instructor brings their own unique approach and energy to teaching. Certain styles mesh well with different people, but a single method doesn’t always fit all people. Learning from a different instructor might discover new techniques and perspectives that resonate with you and enhance your understanding of martial arts.
2. New Point of View
A new instructor and style will give you a fresh perspective on combat and philosophy. You already know how your style approaches attacks, defense, and training. Now, you can compare it to something else. This comparison allows you to appreciate the strengths of your style while also recognizing areas where other styles excel. It broadens your martial arts horizon and deepens your overall knowledge.
3. Theory
Generally, seminars don’t teach their normal curriculum. Instead, they focus on theories and related techniques to maximize the usefulness of education. The theories, concepts, and ideas presented at seminars allow you to tinker with your own material. You can incorporate these new insights into your practice, potentially uncovering new ways to improve your techniques.
4. Different Emphasis
A new instructor and style place emphasis on different aspects of training. For instance, Kempo may focus on hand speed and strikes, while a seminar on Tai Chi may emphasize leg strength and balance. This helps you identify deficiencies in your own training due to a narrow focus. It doesn’t mean your training is bad or wrong, but it highlights areas you might neglect. Diversifying your training can lead to a more well-rounded skill set.
5. New Training Partners
Training with a new partner or uke from a different system is invaluable. They don’t fall or attack the way your regular partners do, providing a new challenge. You get to test your material’s effectiveness against opponents unfamiliar with your techniques. Think of it as a new batch of test subjects for your laboratory. This real-world application is crucial for improving your skills.
6. Expands the Mind
All the points listed above will help you expand your mind. We don’t live in isolated pools where everyone does things the same way. This is a plural society, and opening up to new ideas and concepts helps us grow and become smarter. It may also unlock “hidden moves” in your own training. Many martial artists find that a few seminars can provide breakthroughs in their understanding and execution of techniques.
7. Learn Cool Techniques
Finally, arguably, the best reason is that you learn a batch of new, cool moves. One of the most exciting parts about martial arts is discovering new techniques that are both effective and visually impressive. These new moves keep you practicing, training, and inspired to do the real work of grinding out all the necessary drills.
So if you’re wondering if that interesting martial arts seminar is right for you, take a chance and go. You’ll never know what you might learn if you don’t attend.
Do you have a seminar you want to promote? Email me. Comment below if you have a story about a seminar that profoundly changed you. Your journey could inspire others to expand their martial arts horizons!
