The Importance of In-Studio Training in Martial Arts: Personal Experiences and Expert Insights

Have you ever attempted to train in a martial art by yourself, only to be introduced to a much different environment once you entered a class?

A Personal Experience with Escrima

Earlier this year, I took on a challenge by teaching myself the basics of Escrima off YouTube. Escrima, a weapon art from the Philippines, has a rich history and unique techniques that can be challenging to grasp on your own. Here is what I learned:

Self-Taught vs. Classroom Environment: I searched for Escrima basics and began the journey, but things became very different once I joined a proper school. The majority of the drills there were partner-based, which is quite different from solo practice. Although I was able to pick up some familiar drills, I struggled with the partner aspect, as it requires not just the speed and precision of the movements, but also the timing and coordination needed to avoid accidentally hitting your partner. As a result, I ended up with a busted lip during a drill, which was both painful and embarrassing.

My Background in Jeet Kune Do

For nine years, I trained in various aspects of Jeet Kune Do, a martial art founded by Bruce Lee. When I finally got the chance to train with Dan Inosanto, the premier disciple of Bruce Lee, I realized the importance of structured classes and experienced instructors.

Why In-Studio Training is Critical

When faced with such questions, I cannot stress enough the importance of in-class training. A great instructor and a room full of people to train with are, in my opinion, the absolute best way to learn martial arts. Here’s why:

Proper Techniques and Corrections: A single move, like a punch, requires an understanding beyond just the mechanics of the movement. For instance, the power of a punch comes from your legs and stance, and the position of your hands and the way your punch snaps out rather than lunging. The part of the hand you strike with and how it lines up with your shoulder make a huge difference. Ensuring that your elbow is slightly bent to avoid locking it, and whether you punch as you advance, punch in place, or punch as you retreat or counter, each requires different techniques and drills. This is just the beginning; there are many more nuances to be learned through detailed explanations and practice.

Partner Work and Drill Work: Partner work and drill work are essential parts of martial arts training. They help you understand movement, thought, and timing. You need to know how to maintain distance and direction, and the best way to practice these skills is through a live, physical experience with other bodies. You also need to learn how to handle the impact of hits, how to breathe properly during certain moves, and how to recover from hits. Simply put, no matter how much you think you know, it is essential to come into a class with an open mind and a willingness to learn from the ground up.

Experience and Humility

No matter what martial art you choose, approach it with humility and the mindset that you have much to learn. I have trained in martial arts for 20 years and have always made it a point to walk into a new place with the attitude that I am there to learn what they have to teach from the ground up. Half the time, I don’t even mention that I have taken martial arts before because being humble can be incredibly helpful. When you come to a new school, you might have to re-learn and re-think how you do everything, just as I did when I first trained in a traditional martial art, boxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Ultimately, embrace the opportunity to learn at your own pace and be receptive to feedback. Martial arts are not just about getting good at the moves; they are about understanding the art itself and the principles behind the techniques. So, go out there and be bold, be courageous, and don’t try to just learn it on your own. Join a class and be a sponge for knowledge.