Training videos

[sirdarksol]

Let's see if we can get a good discussion going. By discussion, I mean argument, but not "I'm right and you're a doody-head argument." Rather, a polite, useful exchange of ideas between people who disagree on a particular topic. We'll start off light as we all get to know each other here. Hopefully, interesting discussion on the forum will draw more people here.

So the question is: What do you think about training videos (also think about books)? Is there any use for them?

My opinion on the matter is this: The arts that we know have not always been. Someone, somewhere started from scratch. Working with books or videos is gigantic step up from starting from scratch. On the other hand, it's a gigantic step down from working with an instructor. So someone who is learning from video is definitely going to learn slower, and have a harder time recognizing mistakes, than someone who is learning from an instructor, but I still believe that it is possible to learn.

Books and videos, to me, however, have their greatest strength with a student who is also going through in-person training. Books and videos can support and supplement in-class learning.

[disgruntled]

i find books and videos of great help... i like reading books and seeing vids of a style i am training in to gain a better understanding and find out what someones take on it is out side my school. (i find that important because every school has a different take on the MA they teach). i also read books on styles that are similar to mine so that i can incorporate different elements into my training. i have tried to read up and learn about a MA i knew nothing about via a book, but i found it impossible (tai chi). i am a perfectionist when it comes to technique and a picture does not show you how the weight is distributed in the body or the esact position of the fingers, how tense each body part is etc.....

overall i think that books and videos are a very useful tools, but they are not essential and should not be the only tool.

[Jewel]

I think that videos, as well as books, should be used to supplement material that one already knows. I don't think it should be the only method of learning used, just as with any subject you would want to learn. There is so much to be learned by demonsration, for example.

[Shirindo]

Right here goes.

If I was in a situation where I could not find ANY MA classes in my vicinity then I would consider using printed and video material to try and get started. I would also try to keep in mind that this was a means to get by and not a full time solution.

For my situation, where I have been able to study various different styles, I feel comfortable using different media to gain further insights into other MA's. This would be for either more techniques within my own style that I could then try and adapt where necessary or purely for more information and knowledge about new styles.

[DOCBROWN1705]

I would have to agree with the last two.... video, and print are great additional tools, however, I don't think they are an effective form of "Training", and they should be used with caution.

[Jewel]

Yes Shirindo, I would do the same thing if I could not find anywhere to learn my skill. Books and videos can allow you to introduce yourself into the martial arts, but there are just some things that you need more guidance for.

[Hatori]

I'm really echoing what most people are saying in that books and videos are useful tools but must be used in conjunction with a real class. A lot of people when they start to train ,MIMIC what they see without real understanding. Training in a real class will allow you to gain some understanding on what you are doing plus it's always so much better to train with a real person as real people move and interact so many different and individual ways.

[Jewel]

I think that taking an actual class also offers the advantage of safety. It's better to learn in an environement where it is safe to learn. It's not safe, all the time at least, to teach yourself completely.

[disgruntled]

that is a very good point.... it is funny i have debated this topic many times and this is the first time that point can up... + rep!