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When one starts anything new, excitement is often coupled with apprehension. Training in the Martial Arts has that same effect on beginners. What you imagine the class will be and what actually occurs when you step on the mats for the first time, can be somewhat disorienting. With rare exceptions, it does not compare to anything you have done before. The new types of class formalities, the wearing of uniforms and the introduction into a strict disciplined environment will alter any preconceived notions one has about this kind of training. The journey is much more than just a physical one and the Quest for Martial Knowledge will really be one of self discovery. Students may join for one reason, but they stay on for a variety of other reasons.
It has been said that there are “Four Stages of Learning”. The first stage of learning is called, “Unconscious Incompetence” – you don’t even know what you don’t know. The second stage of learning is called, “Conscious Incompetence” – this is the realization of just how much you don’t know. The third stage of learning is called, “Conscious Competence” – you know what you know, but it takes effort to access the information. The fourth and final stage of learning is called, “Unconscious Competence” – you are fluent in the subject matter and have immediate access to the information. This four stage guide for understanding the quest for knowledge is in my opinion, incomplete. It is incomplete because one can never know all there is to know about anything.
Training with so many Master practitioners has made me realize that the Quest for Knowledge is ongoing and unending. Closing one door just requires opening another. We are never done and to ever think we are, is, in the world of martial arts, foolish, lazy and dangerous. This process is permanent and perpetual. We should be pleased to pursue it. Like a modern Knight, the Quest itself is what should drive you.
Mr. Weber is the chief instructor at the Aikido Academy of Self-Defense located at 16134 N. Oracle Rd., in Catalina. He has more than 45 years of experience in the Martial Arts and has achieved skills in a variety of disciplines. He also teaches Tai-Chi on Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m.
Please call (520) 825-8500 for information regarding these and other programs. If you wish, check out the website at www.AikidoAcademyOfArizona.com.
Mr. Weber is the chief instructor at the Aikido Academy of Self-Defense located at 16134 N. Oracle Rd., in Catalina. He has more than 45 years of experience in the Martial Arts and has achieved skills in a variety of disciplines. He also teaches Tai-Chi on Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. Please call (520) 825-8500 for information regarding these and other programs. If you wish, check out the website at www.AikidoAcademyOfArizona.com.
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