Friends,
In our manual, Efficient Perceptual Learning (EPL), we talk about how the brain and body learns. (EPL here: http://goo.gl/f1LA0)
In Direct Perceptual Testing (DPT), we talk about how to test the skills we’ve learned. (DPT here: http://goo.gl/vZGkL)
People often do not understand why their techniques do not work. They train and train, but under pressure, the techniques are fleeting. Or, they go to class and really like a technique, but can’t remember it months later.
In this video, we discuss what we call ‘technique math.’ It’s the basic neurological breakdown of what happens to our learned skills. From 300 as a master, to 20 techniques, it can happen very quickly when the variables change – from heart rate in the street to resistance in the classroom.
(or copy and paste: http://youtu.be/hZb9w0RS-l)
Recently in Cleveland Ohio at a seminar we were able to demonstrate, as we do repeatedly with our DPT process that we can teach a variety of techniques and methods on top of the previous skills a student has learned – and even the most experienced martial artist under high stress will only be able to consistently pull off two techniques in most grab situations. Every chain learned, every belt gained, every advanced technique learned – it goes out the window and most students in testing are left with only one or two techniques they can consistently use to create a positive outcome. Here’s the video (starting at 4:39) and the DPT process led the two participants at the end to only use the one method – you can see there is still difficulty when there is resistance…and this was two guys exhausted after two days of training:
(or copy and paste: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aexboHm97nA)
Even simple math problems people are unable to do under stress, but most martial arts do not touch it outside of sparring. And they definitely do not talk about problem solving like we discuss in the DPT.
Think about the street. I speak from experience in my history and various professions – testing saves lives.
This poses a large problem for us – what should we focus on learning to survive, and what should we focus on learning for fun.
And where is the line between the two?
It can only be found in the testing process…which is why a testing process is so vital to training. Think of the martial arts you have studied and how many techniques you have learned…and how many could you really pull off? If you don’t know…use the DPT process or come to a seminar (or host a DPT workshop) and see how quickly things fall apart under a thorough testing process.
I encourage you to take a look at your training, regardless of the style (even Pramek), and use the DPT process to test what you know. If you have questions, email me and ask, or as I said – host a seminar or find out when one is coming to an area near you (we are about to announce three more this year).
I think you’ll be surprised at your results.
– Matt
