While teaching a kids class I realized the initial learning process of a technique could be broken down into three critical steps. Observe. Visualize. Duplicate. Each step can definitely be broken down further, but today we will just touch on outlining these three components. If a student is mature enough (middle/high school) it might do them some good to outline these three steps with them so they know where their energy needs to go at each stage.
STEP 1: OBSERVE
Regardless of whether you are watching competition or technical instruction, this step is critical when trying to acquire a technique. Many times our observation is only from one angle so if you have the luxury of moving around to catch multiple views during instruction I would highly recommend doing so. It is also possible to observe with the body, and have the technique done to you. This is another great way to observe where the pressure is coming and going. In general, we will make most of our observations with the eyes. While you are observing, you should be taking (mental) notes of what is going on without thinking of contradictions (How I learned it before, differences in words used). Internalize the observation of the moment and address the contradictions at a later time. This is your first step to the duplication of the technique, and a good teacher should be showing you the exact way to successfully perform the technique in battle. Therefore you should be doing your best to copy their exact movement.
STEP 2: VISUALIZE
This step is usually overlooked in the learning process. However, visualization is one of the most powerful tools to quickly internalize a technique. In some instances it might be occurring at the same time as you are observing. A good way to differentiate the first two steps is realize that observation is physical (happening with the eyes and body), while visualization is mental (a mental re-creation of the observed scene). Visualization is a great way to review the material covered from the previous class. All you need to do is sit down, close your eyes, and focus on creating a step by step imagery of what you learned in class.
STEP 3: DUPLICATE
What does it mean to make a duplicate of something? Every student should initially strive to duplicate the technique they are learning. This means, exact placement of the hands, exact movement of the head/body/hips, and exact position from start to finish. A slower, step-by-step approach is probably best when first starting out. As you get used to the movement, adding speed and resistance is good, but stop and slow down if you are unable to duplicate the technique while going faster. If you are learning the exact technique that has been tested in battle then it's very important to be replicating that movement. You may find that you have learned the same thing a different way. That's good, but don't mix and match the technique. Treat them as different moves, and reflect on the similarities at a later time. Right now you should only be focused on duplication!
Key words to remember:
- Observe. Observe (with the eyes).
- Visualize. Visualize (with the mind).
- Duplicate. Duplicate (with the body).
Eliot Kelly
"Observe. Visualize. Duplicate."
