Experience or Ability?

[Fluffy]

Two instructors, both donning the same rank. One having thirty years of experience, but his/her technique is not what it was once (that is, not great). The other instructor maybe has eight to ten years of training (experience) but he/she is able to perform to a higher level than the more experienced instructor.

You can only choose one instructor, who would you take classes from? The first because of his experience, or the second because of his ability?

[disgruntled]

which one is closer?

[Fluffy]

Really? lol

OK, both are 2 miles away opposite directions. Now, the boot to the head song is stuck in my head!

[disgruntled]

they both have benefits, so it would have to come down to some sort of x-factor.... who i have the best rapport with.... but i lean towards the more experienced one.

[tkd4life]

Experience all the way. Ability meaning like able to do all these awesome kicks and stuff? That means nothing if you don't know how to use it or when do use things. But, like disgruntled said, both have there ups.

[disgruntled]

Originally Posted by tkd4life

Experience all the way. Ability meaning like able to do all these awesome kicks and stuff? That means nothing if you don't know how to use it or when do use things. But, like disgruntled said, both have there ups.

that isn't true. you said someone younger with ability and equal rank. there is no grounds to believe they do not know how to apply it.

a person can be 80 and have never used their MA in the streets and a 15 year old might have had to use it a lot.

[Fluffy]

Originally Posted by disgruntled

that isn't true. you said someone younger with ability and equal rank. there is no grounds to believe they do not know how to apply it.

a person can be 80 and have never used their MA in the streets and a 15 year old might have had to use it a lot.

Odds are that the 80 y/o would have much more street experienc than the 15 year old. Think about the late Gracie elder....he had much more "street time" than his more famous sons ever had.

[tkd4life]

Yeah, and "street time" doesn't necessarily mean anything. If you've been training, you've obviously had sparring too. And, "street time" doesn't necessarily mean anything. I mean, I practice forms a LOT more than I practice sparring, and then when I spar, all the techniques and applications come naturally. so, I'll have to disagree with you on you disagreeing with me, haha

[disgruntled]

Originally Posted by Fluffy

Odds are that the 80 y/o would have much more street experienc than the 15 year old. Think about the late Gracie elder....he had much more "street time" than his more famous sons ever had.

i still disagree. it would come down to things like where you lived and social situations not age.

[eYoon]

experience all the way. i'm all for that stereotype of the decripit old man who can turn it on in the blink of an eye and kick your ass like it's nothing at all.

but in all seriousness... i would choose the experienced teacher because martial arts isn't just all about the physical aspect of it. i would think the more experienced one would be able to teach me lots of things concept wise the younger one wouldn't be able to.