If you want to develop real skill in Ninjutsu—or any martial art—what are you doing with what your teacher gives you between one class and the next?
We often think of martial arts class as “practice time.” And yes, practice certainly takes place during class. But there’s an important difference between practicing something while your instructor is teaching and correcting you… and having a practice of your own.
Your teacher can show you what to work on. They can watch you perform it, identify mistakes, make corrections, give you drills and help you understand what you’re trying to develop.
But your teacher can’t do your repetitions for you.
In this episode of KUDEN! Radio, Dai-Shihan Jeffrey M. Miller explores why martial arts class alone won’t develop the skills you say you want—and what the statement “I am disciplined” really requires from the student.
We’ll look at:
– Why limited class time should be used for instruction, observation and correction, rather than expecting Sensei to supervise every repetition you need;
– How our assumptions about “homework” and traditional martial arts classes may influence what we think practice is supposed to look like;
– Why needing your teacher physically present in order to practice can limit local students just as much as long-distance students;
– How generations of practitioners developed during long periods between direct contact with their teachers;
– Suggestions for ways to practice and develop during your critical in-between class work;
– Why the questions that emerge from your practice can reveal as much about your development as the answers you’re looking for.
The curriculum can provide the map.
The instructor can serve as the guide.
But neither can walk the path for you.
If you say you want to develop the skills, understanding and capabilities of the Ninja, eventually the question becomes:
What are YOU doing between classes?