Theory Vs. Practical

If a show you something or if you read it in a book, do you think you can do it? Probably not. If you practice a kata or 2 person drill 100 times will you be able to apply the move on a non-compliant partner? Nope. You would be better served to spar with a resisting partner a few times. I am not saying don't study theory. But, we must emphasize doing over all else. When I teach a student, I make it 85% practical. Combat sports are practical (despite what the self-defense experts say) because you get immediate feed back. If you've never boxed, spar with a boxer. You will see that hitting a moving target or making a guy fall down from one blow is much harder than you think.