In the world of martial arts, the ability to captivate an audience goes beyond mere technique. Renowned martial artist Dan Inosanto once emphasized the importance of being a good technician—a visual spectacle that elicits emotions from students. According to Sifu Vunak, this principle, often referred to as the 'sizzle,' plays a pivotal role in the success of a martial arts instructor. I'd argue that being technically proficient is sufficient. However, In this exploration, we delve into the significance of presentation, blending functionality with flair to create a curriculum that resonates with students on a different level.
The Three Pillars of a Complete Martial Artist:
According to Inosanto, a complete martial artist must excel in three areas:
Be a good teacher.
Be a good fighter.
Be a good technician, or, in simpler terms, look good.
The Purpose of Being a Good Technician:
In response to the query about the importance of being a good technician, Inosanto's wisdom surfaced: "It's no good being a good teacher if you have no students to teach." The underlying principle here is that, by looking good and captivating the audience, instructors can evoke emotions that drive individuals to join their classes.
For Sifu Paul, he was raised with a functional, street-wise mindset, the shift towards emphasizing aesthetics took time to assimilate. The paradigm of looking good clashed with a belief system rooted in functionality. However, a pivotal moment during a seminar, where a spontaneous display of fast trapping combinations garnered applause, marked the realization of the emotional impact of 'looking good.'
To make the curriculum more palatable and expand audiences, the author advocates combining functional techniques with fancy moves. The analogy of coating the functional (broccoli) with the fancy (chocolate) illustrates the process of enhancing the appeal of martial arts techniques.
Strategies for Adding 'Sizzle':
Surround Techniques with Fancy Moves:
Incorporate flourishes like Florettes (fancy stick twirls) between techniques.
Kickboxing with a Twist:
Intersperse Savate kicks during kickboxing techniques for added visual appeal.
Punctuate Trapping Combinations:
Conclude trapping combinations with tai-chi shoves, arm locks, or foot sweeps to create an impactful finish.
The new paradigm emphasizes empathy—placing oneself in the student's mind to understand what would evoke emotions. The author underscores that evoking emotions extends beyond martial arts techniques, incorporating a multisensory experience in the training environment.
In martial arts instruction, the 'sizzle' is not merely an embellishment but a vital component that fosters emotional connections with students. By blending functionality with flair, instructors can create a curriculum that not only teaches but also leaves a lasting, resonant impression on their audience.
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