Knowledge Development in Budo

Acquiring the Information

Knowledge development is the start of how we become a mature warrior. 

 

For the first couple years of training, the only knowledge that is truly expected is some of the basic concepts in Kihon training (mentioned in my post on Physical Skill) and the Kihon techniques themselves.
 

'Knowledge Development' is basically the acquisition of information to develop the knowledge you have, this comes from an external source, (unlike 'Knowledge Understanding' which is internal and the subject of my next post).


Budoka can develop their knowledge in four basic ways;
Being taught directly by an instructor during training.
Observation during training (this includes watching others do their techniques and observing what instructors say to others)
The last is your own research.
 

Own research is quite undervalued by many Budoka who prefer to only learn from the information imparted by their instructor. This can lead to the Budoka relying on the instructor for knowledge and/or understanding.

This results in the Budoka mistaking the way, as there will be gaps in knowledge/understanding and the Budoka never learning to think for themselves.
As Matsuo Basho said "Follow not in the footsteps of the masters, but rather seek what they sought." 

Matsuo Basho

Another mistake many Budoka make is to think some knowledge is more important than other knowledge, with an attitude of "I don't need to know that, I only need this".
All knowledge is important, good and bad, positive and negative. One example of this is that it's not good enough to know 'what to do' it is also important to know 'what not to do'.
 

There are different types of knowledge that a Budoka should seek and develop. Knowledge of the different techniques and how to do them is only the beginning.

Some of the things that a Budoka should be seeking to know about includes knowledge of:
 
The techniques themselves
 
How to do those techniques
 
The purpose and reasons for those techniques

The variations of those techniques (and why there's variations)

The origin of those techniques and history of Budo in general

The specific history (such as the masters and their contributions)

The Masters and their contributions to Budo

‘The way’

How the body moves

Basic muscle and skeletal anatomy

Certain basic physics concepts

The appropriate application of martial skill

The character development and the reasons for it

Basic philosophical morality

The origins of philosophical morality in Budo and its purpose
 


The information required for Budo is more complex and more detailed than many people realise.

If a Budoka really wants to master their art they are required to do years of research, reading, listening and watching - but all the acquisition of information doesn't mean much without understanding.


A few quotes I found regarding 'knowledge' to think about:

Comment below to share any thoughts or opinions you might have.  :)

Thanks for reading.
Derm

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