Fundamentals

Regardless of the discipline we practice, the fundamentals shape our training and skill. If we have a solid understanding of the basics, then we can perform really well. If we lack understanding, then we can struggle depending on the situation. That’s because each area of study has its own rules of engagement, and with them, their own problems.

What we’re talking about goes beyond martial arts. If you’re a painter, the problem of expressing yourself and your creativity is confined to the canvas. In martial arts, we defend the body with physical techniques depending on the danger. Certain techniques are taught and practiced because the attacker can’t or won’t grab. Other techniques are taught because grabbing and gripping is both unavoidable and preferred. With these constraints, we use the tools necessary for the job. Often the simplest tools turn out to be the best. Judo teaches beginners how to fall safely and how to grip the opponent. Muay Thai might introduce the 8 basic striking weapons. For Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, we all learn the shrimp (a key technique) on day one.

But that’s where the problems start. Even without a martial arts background, most people would be able to learn the foundational movements and techniques of any art within a short period of time. They are the simplest and easiest among the things we can and will learn. But because they are learned first, they typically get overlooked. Once we move past the beginner's stage, most of us don’t want to engage with the basics. They may seem too boring. We may see newer and flashier techniques. Maybe we are seeking a challenge. Whatever the reason is, we start to move away from the building blocks. Without a solid foundation, your martial arts can become limited. That’s because those movements make up the basis of harder or more complicated techniques. If you’re having trouble performing a technique, usually it means one of your basics needs work.

In the end, we have to change our mindset if we want to get better. That means prioritizing the time we take to fix the cracks in our foundation. Working our fundamentals is like sharpening our sword. We don’t want to spend all our time making the edge sharp, but we need to continually ensure the blade's ability to be effective.