When learning a martial arts technique for the first time we have to start somewhere.
Keep it slow and with big movements, break it down in parts and steps so one can see it, unpack it, and begin to practice it.
The first part in practicing a martial arts technique is just working on learning the steps and getting them down. As one learns the parts and begins to move naturally, that is the point at which distance, timing, and balance start to work out, along with focusing on making the technique *work*.
Don’t be in a rush to make a technique work, focus on getting the steps down.
Let yourself have that time.
In learning techniques, they are often presented facing a training partner- set on a straight line, training partner facing training partner, which is the best way to see it and learn it.
But once you develop that proficiency are you practicing off the line and in other directions?
Are you practicing the eight ways?
Being able to perform a martial arts technique, adjusting for different directions and angles is that important next step- this teaches you about space, as in when something enters the space, you apply a martial arts technique.
By practicing in the eight directions, you build a sphere of space around you, a circle that you can control, using distance, timing, and balance.
Most martial artists only practice on the straight line, don’t be one of these martial artists.