The Three T's
The "three t's" are a basic progression of learning, which
can apply to a broad range of physical skills, which I'll reference
here to the pursuit of skill in martial arts. They are tools,
targets and timing.
The first T is tools, and these are primary. Can you imagine going
to a carpentry class to learn to build things, and not be taught the
safe and proper use of the various implements before starting to use
them, or driving a car without first knowing basic controls? In
karate, for example, among the first things taught will likely be a
horse stance and how to throw a basic punch. From there one branches
out into other stances, blocks, parries and strikes, and how to
combine them. In styles that feature footwork, one may start with a
on-guard position and a simple step or two, combined with related
hand movements. Eventually both methods ought to achieve similar
goals.
The second T is targets. Without these, we're simply dancing.
Targeting brings specificity to our action. Tools teach "how";
targeting teaches where and why. For instance, the various
applications of finger jabs, claws, chops and punches. This engages
the imagination by creating external focus and takes us through the
various stages of mechanical development of skill.
The third T is timing, which is knowing "when" to do what
is needed. Initially it is a mechanical process as our conscious
mind struggles to control all the details. When we learn techniques,
it is an internal dialog about coordinating information. As we
progress, it becomes relational to external circumstances. Just like
learning to drive a car, what feels awkward at first eventually
becomes unconscious and automatic. Without timing, we have a pile of
pieces from which to assemble a puzzle. It is the difference between
"dead" (self-involved, unresponsive) and "live"
(fully responsive and aware) martial arts. No longer do we try to
figure out which technique corresponds to whatever confronts us; our
action is innate and appropriate. Bruce Lee described this using
water as a metaphor; it has no shape but simply fills whatever vessel
into which it is poured. Circumstances are our container through
which our actions now flow accordingly.
In application, these three elements tend to come into play in
reverse. For example, when someone throws a punch, we need to move
inside or outside of the opponent's body structure to avoid the blow
and set up counters. Our entry is timing. Once we have position,
targets become accessible, to which we apply various tools (strikes,
grapples, takedowns, etc). Our goal is to become un-self-consciously
proficient in the mechanics involved, freeing our conscious awareness
to monitor and evaluate what is appropriate and necessary.
