Basic vs. Advanced Training

The differences between Basic vs. Advanced training happen on many physical, conceptual, and psychological levels. Each aspect of the training differences we can discuss at length. However, the most basic explanation of these differences given to a novice who has never engaged in martial arts training before is the following perspective. This explanation is a rough differentiation between Basic and Advanced level training.

In Basic levels, you learn to accurately control your body. You learn to trust your ability to act and react. You cannot hope to control the actions of another if you are not in control of your own.

In Advanced levels, you learn to listen to the opponent and be cooperative and adaptable. You learn to become the opponent’s mirror and use his/her energy to your fullest advantage.

Basics (White through Orange)

It’s all about you.

You learn about:

• Your body’s natural mechanics

• Your temperament and confidence level

• Your personal space (perimeter) and your ability to control it

• Your base (closed bi jong) and your ability to maintain balance in motion

• Your unique ability to generate speed and power

This is where you build your foundation and learn to express your body’s full, natural potential. At this point, you are in control of you.

Advanced (Purple through Brown)

Now, Meet Your Opponent. It’s now, all about him/her.

You learn to:

• Develop intuitive response to his specific threat.

• Balance Yin and Yang.

• Listen to his plan.

• Allow/Cause him to act.

• Seek his most available target.

• You must become one with him.

Your opponent is giving you all the information that you need to neutralize the threat. Possessing sharp basics allows you to do it using the least amount of energy. Whether you initiate or intercept, through mobility, sensitivity and spring energy you access the opponent’s energy and neutralize/dissipate it.

Conclusion:

You must be confident in your abilities and the techniques you want to implement. Basics training is where you build a strong and formidable foundation. You still will engage in application training with training partners that help each other in that goal and play a significant part in the discovery of yourself. When ready, you move to a new paradigm in your training, Advance Class. When that happens, we will be happy to introduce a unique and fresh perspective - Meet your opponent.