We spent a lot of time yesterday ‘learning how to learn’, understanding how differently the left and right brain learns and how both are useful.

Learning in words, in a linear logical method is essential and the most useful way of starting, once the sequence is internalised the mind can easily become distracted or lazy, at this point we need to go deeper, increasing our awareness, focus, sensitivity and intensity until we are eventually studying micro moments and connections.

We also need to learn by ‘direct transmission’ and this depends on the relationship between teacher and student, it’s wordless and transmits the ‘feel’ and ‘character’ of technique. It can be by demonstration, by subtle adjustments when the student isn’t too stiff or floppy and can ‘sense’ the subtle connections they’re being guided to make.

It’s broadening our vision to be able to understand the culture and philosophy of our art and the poetry and depth contained in the classics, descriptions and names, in the style, principles and techniques.

The left brain defines in linear logic, the right is spatial and artistic, western culture leans to the left and Asian to the right, when we can use both sides internalising the methods and skills until we are one with them, utilising them spontaneously under pressure, only then do we truly become a martial artist.