Distance Learning

Two versions of distance learning may help in this circumstances

Travel

In this version, a student trains on his or her own in a style in which he or she has had traditional training, but he or she periodically travels to train with a previous instructor or another cooperative instructor. In one or more intense training sessions, the instructor observes and corrects problems. This allows the student keep training and testing for rank even when the style it is not offered in his or her area. However, depending on the distances involved, the cost may be prohibitive. If you are not able to visit frequently enough, the visits may not be productive. Also, current students of the instructor may consider you an undeserving outsider.

Video

Some styles teach exclusively via video tapes or disks. You purchase a video and written material, practice the material, make a video of yourself performing the material, and then send the video to the organization office for review of your performance and feedback. You are promoted by sending a testing video of yourself. With the latest digital video technology and the Internet, it is possible for an instructor to evaluate the progress of student in real time. The video method saves travel time but requires expensive video equipment and other technologies. Unless the instructor knows the student personally, it is easy for a person to send videos of another person performing the material. Training and performing self-defense and fighting techniques without experienced training partners are not only ineffective, it is counterproductive.