Learning

"To know something is not merely to be told it or to act upon it, but to modify and transform it and to understand the process, and consequences, of the transformation." -Charles E. Silberman

Learning has been thoroughly analyzed by many great minds, include by many noted martial artists. One excellent example was Dr. Jigoro Kano, founder of Kodokan Judo, who was also a famous educator in Japan. Many of the technical aspects and teaching methods of Judo are a direct result of Dr. Kano's understanding of the six steps in the learning process. These six steps as applied to learning Taekwondo are as follows:

Note: Each step in the process is connected and each step leads to the next step.

1. Observation. Focus on essential elements the instructor's teaching points (explanation and  demonstration). Trying a new technique without careful observation of the instructor's performance of the technique will often cause mistakes or bad habits to form early in the learning process. These mistakes or bad habits may cause delay in learning proper technique or may cause injury. Students should watch all aspects of an technique, both what the instructor explains and what is not explained. Certain elements of every technique, such as timing and minute body movements are not easy to explain, but must be observed by the "watchful eye" of an astute and dedicated student.
2. Perseverance. Demonstrate perseverance in your studies; it requires many steps to climb a mountain. Never give up on a difficult technique. You may never perfect the technique, but you will surely improve. In most cases, there are specific paths or steps that must be followed in learning a technique. Learning a technique completely means taking the time to allow the knowledge and skill to "soak in." Remember, everyone learns at different speeds.
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