Keishidojo Article of the Quarter

-Shidoshi J.D. Olsen

How to maximize your martial arts seminar expeirence.

Last year there were some really good martial arts seminars in the southeast area.  If you were able to find the time and money to attend one, you most likely learned a good amount of new material.  If knowledge is the best weapon, you are going to want to ensure you remember the techniques and things you learned at the seminar.  This article will give you some pointers on how to maximize your seminar learning experience.

It's not really all that hard. 
First of all what you need to do is make sure you show up to the seminar with an open mind.  There are always more than one way to perform a technique.  When someone teaches you a new way to do something you already know, just try to learn there way of performing the technique.  Even try to challenge yourself to see where their version of the technique could help you in your own martial arts training.
Second bring a notebook!  Either take notes during short breaks or whenever time permits while the moves are fresh in you memory.  Or take note as soon as possible after the seminar.  I sometimes take note in my can after I leave from the seminar to help me remember the things I learned that day.  Also don't take what we call "cocky notes."  Try to make your notes as detailed as possible so even if you don't look at your note for a few months it will still make sense to you.
Third bring a friend or training partner if possible.  Two minds are better than one and the two of you will have a better chance of remembering techniques.  Also you will have a person that was in the class with you when you review the techniques.

There you have it three simple steps to help you get the most out of your martial arts seminar experience.  Just to recap real fast, 1. don't show up knowing everything, 2. bring a notebook, and 3. bring a friend.