| Can you learn martial arts from martial arts | | | | practicing your techniques in a void, away from a |
| books? You might be able to learn the history, | | | | moving, thinking target. In a classroom you have |
| names, dates, maybe even forms. But I doubt | | | | the chance to actually try your techniques on real |
| you will learn much more than that. The chances | | | | training partners. |
| of training incorrectly are really high. You probably | | | | Classes offer motivation to move forward and |
| will make a ton of mistakes and never even | | | | increase skill. This is hard to do from books |
| know you did. | | | | except by the highest of motivated people. Most |
| Learning from a book makes you more apt to | | | | people need the motivation a class and instructor |
| settle into bad habits. Instructors help prevent | | | | can offer. The instructor can help you reach |
| incorrect form and mistakes, making the martial | | | | higher levels of success you might never have |
| art more fluid and powerful. | | | | reached through solitary practice. |
| Books are helpful in that they show you the | | | | If finances or distance is a problem, a book might |
| various forms of martial arts out there, like Judo | | | | be the best bet for you, otherwise, try to find a |
| or Taekwondo. Studying these books can help | | | | class. I view learning martial arts through a book |
| you make an informed decision in choosing the | | | | as a last resort. An instructor is very important |
| martial art which is right for you. | | | | as stated earlier. There are just some things you |
| The biggest problem with learning from books is | | | | can't learn from a book. However, if a book is all |
| the lack of a sparring partner. Putting the art into | | | | you have, then by all means practice from a book |
| practice gives you confidence in your abilities if | | | | until you can find someone to train you properly. |
| you ever need them. At home, you’re | | | | |