Distance learning

Distance learning is a term used to describe the different types of non-traditional learning methods. The traditional learning method is attending on campus classes in a classroom, lab, etc. Many colleges have distance learning programs that have been successful. These include:

• Satellite campuses
• Off-site classes
• Online classes
• Instructional videos
• Cable television
• Correspondence courses

Some martial arts programs try to achieve the same success. However, most college classes only deal with knowledge, not physical skills. You cannot learn to play soccer online; you may learn the rules but you must play to develop your soccer skills. You may learn about Taekwondo or other martial arts online, on videos, or in books, but you cannot develop the skills needed without being in class environment with a certified instructor, or one-on-one with a certified instructor, to tell you want you are doing wrong. Anything is better than nothing, but something things are only slightly better than nothing. When it comes to distance Taekwondo learning, it is slightly better than nothing.

Even when you are a Taekwondo expert with many learns of training, if you do not have another independent, impartial instructor watching you and pointing out your mistakes, you will develop bad habits and sometimes even get completely off track. I once practiced hours on a pattern for a tournament,  went to the tournament, and performed it perfectly, just as I had practiced, only to find I had changed a move at some point in my practice and then had kept practicing it that way.

In the organization I train with, we use the traditional ITF pattern set, but there are some minor differences in the movements in some patterns, such as a step that has been left out of Won-hyo. It appears that the only reason for this error was because, at some point, the founders of the organization either learned it this way from someone who had forgotten the step, or they themselves simply forgot the step. Either way, it appears they have practiced it this way for so long that they see no reason to change it. 

Distance learning is an excellent way to increase your knowledge, double check movements in pattern, or learn about new techniques or combinations. However, it does not help you perfect techniques or increase your skills. Whenever possible, there is no substitute for traditional learning. However, there are times when distance learning may be your only choice, such as:

• You have been studying a style for a long time and then move to an area that does not have any schools that teach your style.
• You live in or move to a remote area where there are little to no choices of styles or schools.
• You want to try a different style but find limited choices in your area.
• You do a lot of business travel and need a way to keep up with your learning and training while away.