Different ways to learn

[Grasshopper]

Hi all,

I'm looking fo a new martial art to study. I currently do karate, and I'm not really enjoying it. Our training goes like this:

"If he does X, then you do A, B and C. If he does Y, then you must react with W, X, Y, Z"

Then we practice long sequences of moves that are difficult to remember. I think it will take many years of practice before I can actually apply any of this against a hooligan. I'd rather the training went like this:

"Here's how to do a simple punch (or kick, block, joint lock, whatever). Now let's drill it 2000 times. Next session we'll learn a new one."

For me, this would be a better way to train, at least in the near term. Can anyone recommend any styles that train like this?

Ta

[a student 1st]

hello, I've run into this problem myself before. It may not be your style but your instructor. Your on the right track with simple techniques with high number of reps. practice your basics they are your core techniques.
remember:KISS
Keep
It
Simple
Stupid

I practic Isshin-ryu we have a set of charts each with 15 exercises. chart one covers the upper body (punches, blocks and other strikes) chart two covers lower body (different types of kicks) at the beginning of each class we go over both charts. everything else builds from here.

basics, basics, basics.

Good luck.

[Lisa]

It sounds like you learn differently then the way that it is being taught.

Different people learn different ways. Some are very visual, show them something a couple of times or even once and BAM! they have it. Others need to break the sequences down and perhaps even give them different names for each section, it is like learning your ABC's. After a while it becomes second nature.

I would suggest going to your instructor and telling him you are having trouble with the long sequences of moves. Get him to perhaps verbalize every movement and explain why it is done this way.

If that doesn't work or if the instructor refuses to help then perhaps you should find a diffent instructor. The one you learn from makes all the difference in the world to your success.

Hope my two cents helped... let us know how it goes.