Intellect

[nz_ROB]

How much does intellect play in the study of martial arts? Do you have to be of above average intelligence to reach a higher level or can you "muscle" your way to the top?

[Pocahontas]

How much does intellect play in the study of martial arts? Do you have to be of above average intelligence to reach a higher level or can you "muscle" your way to the top?

Surely average intelligence is enough to get to the top? I doubt every dan is a genius...

[Goober]

How much does intellect play in the study of martial arts? Do you have to be of above average intelligence to reach a higher level or can you "muscle" your way to the top?

Surely average intelligence is enough to get to the top? I doubt every dan is a genius...

Have you met any of them? I think "every" is possibly over stating the point a little!

[Genghis]

I certainly tend to think that the best martial artists are fairly intellectual about it, but also don't get too carried away with the intellectualism of it and do allow themselves to get too carried away thinking about it and allow the physical aspects to take over when required.

G

[aiki-jitsoo]

Sure there are many dan grades who have got the grade because of their physical skill in the art, along with the time involved in the art, of course.

Although, i believe that it takes a certain amount of intelligence to fully understand the philosophy of martial arts or an individual art and to use it in that way.

What about Instructing? I have witnessed instructors who have come across as not being very intellectual but when teaching, have the skills needed to come across as a great instructor. Surely that is a form of intelligence?

I don't know, maybe i am wrong.  

[thauma]

......I have witnessed instructors who have come across as not being very intellectual but when teaching, have the skills needed to come across as a great instructor. Surely that is a form of intelligence?

We need to be careful about confusing intellect with academic, and also for an instructor personality along with empathy need to be considered.

[Matt NZ]

How much does intellect play in the study of martial arts? Do you have to be of above average intelligence to reach a higher level or can you "muscle" your way to the top?

hmm not too sure as I havnt met very many high level Dan's, however the Masters/Professors/Kancho's and one Soke I met at the SCI 50th showed me that at the top end of the "pyramid" they are all very intelligent.  Both martial arts intellect and worldly

[captaintau]

hmm not too sure as I havnt met very many high level Dan's, however the Masters/Professors/Kancho's and one Soke I met at the SCI 50th showed me that at the top end of the "pyramid" they are all very intelligent.  Both martial arts intellect and worldly

Really? You met Professor Bernard, right?



To answer the question: no. I think that to be a good instructor then you need to be articulate.

[Matt NZ]

Really? You met Professor Bernard, right?

Hmmm - Probably did but he didnt leave enough of an impression for me to remember him.  Unlike Steve Cumin (butchered his name I know), Kancho Garry, Jim Cockram and Master Peter Jones - those chaps came across as very brainyful

[nz_ROB]

I notice you didn't group me in the "brainy" bunch, Matt    

methinks some sparring is inevitable  


 

[cullion]

How much does intellect play in the study of martial arts? Do you have to be of above average intelligence to reach a higher level or can you "muscle" your way to the top?

Not too much. The most accomplished martial artists I've ever met tend to be a bit sharper than the average person with some intellectual interests, but not academic geniuses. The more important personality trait is that they really love doing martial arts and train lots, consistently, for decades.