Master a system first

[sanjuro_ronin]

It has been often suggested that one "Master" on system or style before going on to another one.
I don't doubt that anyone agrees that a solid foundation is needed in one system before one can experiment with others, but Master?
Well, it can take a LIFETIME to "master" a system.
Funakoshi, on his death bead, performed an inside block and turned to the people there and said, " I think I finally got this right".

I don't agree that one must "master" anything before they decided to experiment with something else, eight by design or necessity.
Yes, I do believe that a solid foundation in a system is needed.
How solid or what is "solid"?
You can use it in a fight and use it well, not only in class but in full contact sparring VS others of the same system.

But mastery?
Nope.

Now, that said, I think I should make clear what was todl to me by a very high ranking TCMA, who shall remain nameless :
Now way you will ever "master" your chosen system until you experience what others have to offer.
Experience is your finest teacher.

[Dragonzbane76]

The path is to broad to carry a straight course.

[Drake]

Paul, I think it really depends on what you want to accomplish. Some folks simply want to taste all of the arts and see how they operate. Sure, they know they'll never be a master, and likely never even be proficient. But that isn't their goal. So, what should we do before switching styles? That's up to the person, and we can't judge them for their choices.

[sanjuro_ronin]

Paul, I think it really depends on what you want to accomplish. Some folks simply want to taste all of the arts and see how they operate. Sure, they know they'll never be a master, and likely never even be proficient. But that isn't their goal. So, what should we do before switching styles? That's up to the person, and we can't judge them for their choices.

Absolutely, I agree.
But further to that, my point was that, in reality, one can't wait till they have mastered as system because one never does.
Even as we age, our system changes within us as we change.
Mastery of a system is an illusion.
And as I quote above, I would argue that unless one goes out of his system to experiment and test it, he/she will never truly master it anyways.

[goju]

I think I should make clear what was todl to me by a very high ranking TCMA, who shall remain nameless :
Now way you will ever "master" your chosen system until you experience what others have to offer.
Experience is your finest teacher.

you got that from a fortune cookie liar!

[sanjuro_ronin]

you got that from a fortune cookie liar!

LMAO !!
You read it too ?

[kfson]

Maybe a better though not perfect description is "competent with a good understanding of the basics".

[sanjuro_ronin]

Maybe a better though not perfect description is "competent with a good understanding of the basics".

How do you judge that though?

[kfson]

How do you judge that though?

Good question. For me it would be a feeling that I'm ready.

[Drake]

Did you ever see the Kendo/Aiado requirements just to be proficient? It's IN-SANE!

[sanjuro_ronin]

Good question. For me it would be a feeling that I'm ready.

For me it would be being able to apply it effectively vs people well trained in the system.

[sanjuro_ronin]

Did you ever see the Kendo/Aiado requirements just to be proficient? It's IN-SANE!

Indeed, a good point.

[kfson]

For me it would be being able to apply it effectively vs people well trained in the system.

yep.

_____

[m1k3]

What about if you try something and you just don't like it, or the instructor or maybe it just sucks?


** cough yellow bamboo cough **_

[SPJ]

as pointed out

it depends on the individual.

all styles may have arbitrary basic foundation skill sets or practice.

it is always better to have good basic or some understanding of a style before moving on.

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