Article: Don't Just Practice, Train
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By Larry Seiberlich Ph.D.
The terms "training" and "practice" have become, in most contexts, synonymous. It is not unusual for Americans to simplify all facets of the English language. One dimension of this simplification is noted in a general propensity to reduce the distinction between, and specific meanings of, words regardless of context. Unfortunately, this loss of richness and meaning of certain words render them unable to adequately convey the appropriate meaning of certain activities that are described by the words. After a period of time, these activities, or the perception of them, change because of the modification of the words that describe them.
This appears to be true of the words practice and training. General definitions of these two words are presented as follows:
a.Practice- apply habitually in action; to do or perform some action repeatedly, to work at a profes sion. To repeat protocols with high levels of expertise (a professional) ACTING
b. Training- to bring to a point of performance or render qualified or proficient BECOMING
In attempting to identify why I desired to deal with this topic, I realized that my exposure to both of these ideas came through my life experiences in:
Training as a professional to practice Architecture and Planning
Training as a martial artist
Training as an athlete and as one who trains ath letes to enhance their personal performance
All are activities that require a high degree of both intent and discipline.
Often we practice as part of our training program and sometimes we train ourselves in preparation to practice our profession.
I suggest that training is not only a process for becoming skilled in some specific activity, but it is also a way by which we can become more self aware, develop a greater degree of self discipline in our daily lives and conduct, and as a process for learning to better focus our intent.
The science of Biophysics has recently described the relationship between intent in training and successful performance. Training includes a sensorial reinforming at the cellular level that in turn increases comprehensive awareness and sensitivity while enhancing skill performance.
This intent can be measured, which assists as a biofeedback adjunct to training.
A polar opposite to a scientific description of training is the ancient Oriental concept of physical, mental and spiritual integration through training. The approach here is to give over to the training and allow the sensory information to be assimilated naturally into the performance patterns of the individual.
Kwan Jang Nim Hwang Kee notes that "the Soo Bahk Do ideology is the harmony of mind and body." He continues, "Let our training create soundness of mind and body..." "....According to the principles of harmony of mind and body, those studying Tang Soo Do (Soo Bahk Do) should do their best to develop physical skills and techniques while at the same time developing their character."
He has presented us with the "10 Articles of Faith on Tang Soo Do (Soo Bahk Do) Training" and "A Guideline for Tang Soo Do (Soo Bahk Do) Training." The learning of all aspects of Soo Bahk Do is based upon the foundation and process of training of the mind, body and spirit. The term Gong or Gung means training.
Training has historically been, and currently is, a fundamentally sensorial activity that may contain certain cognitive elements that respond to sensory triggers.
Because the brain can respond to millions of bits of sensory information per second but only about 40 bits of cognitive information per second, sensorial learning is deeper and more comprehensive. It informs and reinforms all the cells of the body. This is training.
It enhances cognitive learning and creates meaningful positive change in the individual. It is a long term, lifestyle system, and an investment in self and personal skill enhancement. It has many implications to longevity and health.
The next time you desire to enhance a skill, train. The activity will be integrated within the knowledge base of each cell and will become part of your comprehensive physical, mental and spiritual discipline a fundamental, inseparable part of who you are. At that point, performance only requires the intent to act and the activity occurs with total self-involvement.
As H.C. Hwang Sa Bom Nim presents to us so eloquently: training becomes your habit, habit becomes your character, character becomes your destiny.
Note: All quotes from Kwan Jang Nim Hwang Kee are found in Tang Soo Do (Soo Bahk Do) 1978, Sung Moon Sa, Seoul.