Today, Saturday 9th June 2018, I went to an education research conference (#rEdRugby). In one of the sessions delegates were asked to think about the definitions of the terms expertise and fluency. Though these terms have everyday meaning and usage in common parlance, we were asked to think of a rigorous/scientific definition.
Mark McCourt (@EmathsUK) enlightened us with the following which I have adapted for a martial arts context:
Fluency: no longer having to give attention to that which you are fluent in.
Expert: ability to give attention to whichever element of combat (technique, principle, etc.) one wants to.
A driving example would be:
I no longer give attention to how to change gear. I am fluent in using a clutch and the manipulation of the gear stick.
I am an expert in changing gear as I can give attention to other things related to a gear change such as when is best to change gear.
I would hope that this principle filters into combat quite directly as follows:
Fluency in performing a technique/principle means one does it without giving attention to the individual movements and steps involved. This fluency is achieved by repetition, experience and a complete understanding of all component parts.
An expert then is able to devote attention to other aspects related to this fluent task such as it’s connection to other tasks. Or attention can go to when (timing), where (distance/angle) and under which conditions (circumstance).
In SV this triumvirate of time, space and circumstance is part of the primary principle referred to as Kal.
The underlying simple truth is that through hard work and sound understanding Masters, Grand Masters, Gurus etc. are able to perform each simple task without giving any attention to it and thus have all their attention remaining to making seemingly simple techniques work better through attention to the ‘softer’ skills (higher skills) of combat.
But more importantly, a martial artist is able to be just that - an artist. All his/her attention is totally free to explore and innovate - a nuanced intricate play of simplicity.
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