Are Martial Arts Instructionals Worth It?
We’ve all been there. Surfing the internet looking to find a new technique for a martial art. Then, we run across a DVD advertisement or video that claims it will make us the best martial artist that ever lived. The instructor promises to show us all his or her secrets. Too good to be true?
Maybe, but it depends…
Instructional videos offer a lot, but do they deliver? When should you try one? When should you stay clear?
The last thing you want is to add a(nother) DVD to your shelf that will simply collect dust, or even worse, make you a bad martial artist.
Let’s take a look at how martial arts instructionals can aid your development and make you a better martial artist.
Reasons to learn a martial art from instructional videos
There is no shame from learning from a video. In fact, there are some pretty good reasons you might want to learn this way.
You might learn from an instructional because access to your desired art is limited in your particular area. Likewise, your schedule might not permit regular training when classes are available locally. In these situations, video instruction might be the next best available option for you.
For many people, a DVD instructional is simply a good way to learn a new technique or supplement their training when they are away from the dojo. While the COVID pandemic forced everyone to start training from home, sometimes injuries or life prevent us from training too. In these cases, a DVD can keep your mind in the game while you are unable to train.
How to evaluate a martial arts DVD.
When you are looking for a DVD to learn a martial art it can be hard to sort through the good from the bad. It is important that you evaluate an instructional to determine if it is appropriate for your needs.
For instance, if you are looking to buy BJJ DVDs, you should first look at the instructor’s background and pedigree. Second, has the instructional been reviewed online or in magazines? The production date is also important as modern jiu jitsu instructionals tend to have much better production quality than older ones. As a general rule of thumb, any instructional produced before 2000 is probably not worth watching, unless there is some historical or other notable reason to watch it.
There are so many bad instructionals with good marketing. Do not get fooled.
The final analysis requires you to use good judgement. Do not fall into the marketing hype.
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