Practice vs. Reality: Why Real-World Experience Matters
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Training must be as real as possible for it to be valuable. If training is realistic, it's still important to realize that it is only training, not the real thing. When the real thing comes, expect a certain amount of ineffectiveness.
It was below freezing, and my hands were experiencing a punishing situation as I tried to tie the knot in the windy, snowy environment. The snow and wind were penetrating my skin. My hands were not moving quickly and becoming red. I was trying to tie down a tarp cover with some rope, and I knew the knots that would work. However, I was not in a winter blizzard when I practiced the knots to secure the tarp.
I tie knots as a hobby. Learning new ways to use rope as a tool is relaxing and fun. I only focus on learning functional rope-tying methods.
Usually, I practice the knots in my kitchen with a hot cup of coffee in front of me. Why was I slow and unsure of the appropriate knot skill in the winter storm?
My hands were not moving fast, and my mind second-guessed the different moves within the rope. Even though I had practiced over and over again, the simple techniques of round turns, trucker hitches, and taunt lines, things were not going as planned. It took me two times longer to tie down the tarp than it would have if I were sitting in front of that cup of coffee.
The big takeaway from my experience:
Even though I practice, my skill level may decrease in a different environment.
Real-world experiences are critical to effectiveness - the winter training experience made me better.
In my book, MENTOR THEM OR THEY WILL: Expert Advice for Youth Mentors Who Teach Self-Discipline Life Skills, I describe looking out for real-world learning experiences: "Young people should be allowed to try new things and experience life opportunities. Mentors must always be on the lookout for opportunities to initiate real-world experiences. With experience comes a certain amount of risk. As the mentee tries new things and explores new learning opportunities, there is always a chance of failure. Everyone can learn from failure."
We must look for real-world opportunities to practice our techniques. Reading a book is critical to learning, but going out and doing something has more value in the learning process. There's nothing like the real thing.
As we develop training opportunities for ourselves or others, making the learning experience as real-world as possible is essential.
Martial arts perspective:
Practicing forms in one direction and the same location never leads to competence. I tell my students to practice forms at home. They should also practice them in different directions. Learning will improve.
Questions:
How would you prove that specific skill training differs from a real-world situation where you have to put your skills to work?
Share an example of a time that you studied and prepared, but when the real-world experience occurred, things did not turn out as planned. Explain what you learned from the situation.
Identify an upcoming situation that requires training or preparation. How will you ensure you get the desired results in a real-world situation?
At our Delaware Hapkido train facility, we control the environment. Give an example of how the training at our academy prepared you for a real-world experience. The experience does not have to be related to martial arts.
Share the advantages of training under different situations, e.g., environments, locations, training conditions, and fatigue levels. What is your opinion of how the various situations made you more prepared?
If you had to develop a martial arts curriculum, how would you include real-world training to prepare for the world outside our training facility?
