I like the Traditional way
I'd say- as a student- learn as many forms as you can find- as a teacher- teach as many forms as you know.
I don't think there's really a good way to "teach mantis in three easy steps" so to speak. It should be a lifelong learning process- even if you're teaching.
I don't think there's really a good way to quantify a this many forms means that type of structure in Mantis like there is in other styles of martial arts. That's why it's really difficult to create a belt or level system in mantis or other TCMAs. Some people can be really good fighters with a couple of forms- or no forms training whatsoever.
So I guess my take on it is to keep on keeping on and realize that there's no end. So stop trying to create one.
something thats been occupying my mind lately...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
MightyB
I'd say- as a student- learn as many forms as you can find- as a teacher- teach as many forms as you know.
I don't think there's really a good way to "teach mantis in three easy steps" so to speak. It should be a lifelong learning process- even if you're teaching.
I don't think there's really a good way to quantify a this many forms means that type of structure in Mantis like there is in other styles of martial arts. That's why it's really difficult to create a belt or level system in mantis or other TCMAs. Some people can be really good fighters with a couple of forms- or no forms training whatsoever.
So I guess my take on it is to keep on keeping on and realize that there's no end. So stop trying to create one.
I agree more or less, but as a student i don't think its important to learn so many forms. I believe teachers should have a big base to draw from and be able to teach students different forms to address everyones needs, but as a student you really don't need many. Because I want to teach I am learning a lot of forms right now, but if I wasn't I think I would just learn 2. Granted I'm not mantis.
CeruleanRyuujin; It seems to me that there have been two distinct "arts" passed down through good lineages, one; the forms the tradition, and two; the individual teacher's fighting experience and knowledge. The two enrich each other and with correct training they are intertwined, but as much as many CMA's would love to believe they are not one and the same. Not everything can be drawn blind from forms, you need to keep fighting. I don't know when it became a bad thing to teach techniques or strategy born from combat experience that may or may not be found in your "system". It becomes part of your system, thats how arts evolve.
After all, thats all forms are, some dudes exceptional understanding of fighting. Each generation should enrich that with their own, and certainly not turn it into something sacred and perfect.
Just my two cents as a beginner