Eye For Detail

What we train, as in what we practice, develops our technical skill. How we train, as in how we practice, develops our eye for detail. Technical skill can only develop so far on its own before our eye for detail is required to take our training to the next level. 

A good student will spend the majority of their time embracing the repetitive training that is required for mastery but unfortunately many are performing their repetitions mindlessly and are missing opportunities for improvement and growth. A master level student approaches every training session as an opportunity to hone their eye for detail and stimulate growth and improvement.

Developing an eye for detail requires mindfulness in our approach with continuous awareness of where we are and what we are doing. The only constant in this world is change. Your body is changing everyday. Every experience, no matter how mundane, changes our attitude and our viewpoint on how we see the world and how we see ourselves. Embracing a mindful approach to our training with an honest assessment of who we are, allows us to continuously improve in realtime. 

This past week everyone had a major opportunity to improve their eye for detail. While board breaking is a fun challenge, there is a lot more to the act than a show of machismo and accomplishment. When a board breaks we get instant feedback on the effectiveness of our technique and intent. The same happens when a board does not break — instantaneous feedback. We can use that feedback to feed our ego (positively or negatively) or we can use that feedback to feed our eye for detail. Analyzing your success and failures gives you insight into your kung fu beyond anything your instructor can give you. However, only if you apply that insight will you improve your eye for detail.

Reflect upon your board breaking experience. Can you identify what helped you succeed? Can you identify what contributed to your unsuccessful attempts? Your ability to identify those things is your eye for detail. Your application of the knowledge you gained by identifying those things is mastery in action. If you want to master kung fu, apply what you learned from your board breaking experience and apply that newfound knowledge to how you approach your forms and how you practice.

Remember, every experience is an opportunity for growth and, more importantly, every opportunity is a call to action.

Jeff Brinker