Learning process

Humans are a social species, and we thrive in communities where we can learn from and be inspired by those around us. We often look to alpha figures for guidance and seek to establish our own status within our community. However, one aspect of our learning process that has been lost over time is the importance of early survival skills. In our modern society, we often prioritize teaching children how to play sports or other leisure activities before teaching them how to protect themselves and navigate dangerous situations.

This is a mistake, as many animals in the wild, such as lion cubs, gorilla infants, and dog puppies, begin learning how to fight and survive at a very early age. "The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence." - Confucius

The development of proficiency in mobility skills or martial arts is a multi-faceted process that involves the interplay of learning, practice, and application. It can be conceptualized as a basic triangle, with each element supporting and reinforcing the others. Additionally, the process can also be broken down further into the specific components of technique, practice, and fight, highlighting the importance of mastering the mechanics of the skill and applying them in real-world scenarios. Proper learning begins with curiosity and frustration; the desire to find a solution to a problem one knows or fears. In the world of Krav Maga, for example, this may manifest in the form of a threat or attacker. Through experimentation and adaptation, one can overcome physical or cognitive limitations and improve their skills.

Frustration is a natural and essential component of the learning process, evident from the earliest stages of development. This is exemplified in the way a baby learns to reach out, stand up, walk, and talk in order to access objects or communicate their needs. Similarly, in the realm of martial arts, the experience of frustration during practice, sparring, and other structured training exercises can serve as a powerful catalyst for personal growth and development. Through facing and overcoming structural failures, individuals can develop greater accuracy and proficiency in their skills.

However, martial arts that are not tested in stressful, real-world situations will not create the same level of frustration and understanding of failure, and thus will not lead to the same level of improvement and personalization for each student. As developmental psychologist Carol Dweck once said, "In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, 'Oh, I'm going to reveal my weaknesses,' they say, 'Wow, here's a chance to grow.'"

In order to be truly effective, the learning process must be organized and structured, building a patterned memory that allows for quick and accurate retrieval of solutions in high-pressure situations. It is essential to remember that learning self-defense and survival skills is not only about physical ability, but also about developing mental toughness and the ability to adapt to any situation.

"A true test of character is not how much we know how to do, but how we behave when we don't know what to do."

-John C. Maxwell

The ability to learn and recognize patterns is a crucial skill that enables individuals to identify and adapt to changing circumstances. In the context of the IKF organization, a focus on training based on protocols allows for a systematic approach to problem-solving. The protocol, as an understandable technical series, creates a framework for navigating the process of failure and solution, ultimately leading to the development of effective strategies for handling stressful situations even when initial attempts are not successful.

The learning process requires a willingness to embrace both the challenges and the opportunities that it presents. It is crucial not to shy away from learning, even in the face of failure or frustration.

Yesterday in the lecture I gave to high school students in Herzliya I talked about my learning process as a fighter and instructor, I found myself talking more about the fights I lost than the victories. Moments where frustration with myself or the system forced me to build a learning system that would prevent a repeat of the failure.

Learn, enjoy the process and don't compromise on self-criticism and frustration.