So, is all multitasking bad? Is all multitasking bad for martial artists? Would you like some honest martial arts advice if you multitask?
We know that Bruce Lee multitasked repetitive physical activities like lifting weights or punching a handheld makiwara, while reading a book. He wanted to kill two birds with … one practice session.
We aren’t Bruce Lee. Should we try to perform two tasks at the same time … not just for practice?
The answer is yes, you should.
In “Tiptoeing to Tranquility: The Parable for Finding Safety and Comfort in Dangerous Times,” one of the characters talks about the crowds of kids moving through the halls of her high school. The teachers seem to have an uncanny ability to move without getting jostled. Parents aren’t so lucky (unless they have read the book
Teachers moving through the halls doesn’t necessarily mean they are multitasking. Still, almost all teachers do possess a multitask skill….
Good Teachers Have Another Multitask Ability
They can stand with another teacher in the hall, and monitor student behavior, while carrying on a conversation. Over time, teachers develop a special awareness. They can be talking to a fellow teacher, or answering a student’s question and still monitor the halls for any misbehavior.
The best teachers can even help a student during a test in class and be aware of the rest of the classroom, to make sure that students aren’t cheating.
Students know that when a teacher answers a student’s question during a test is the perfect time to try to cheat. Fortunately, with superb teachers, justice prevails, and the little sneaks are caught with the crib notes.
Practical Martial-Arts Multitasking
So, what does all of this have to do with practical martial arts?
How about developing this awareness, so you can notice many details of your surroundings while performing another task?
This type of multitasking would keep you safe from surprises. You’d see bad guys approaching in advance … or at least you’d increase your chances of some advanced notice.
Even one second of extra preparation time in a fight is “an eternity.” You gain this extra preparation time by noticing … everything. You don’t put 100% of your focus on being aware, or you’d never be able to participate in conversations or perform the task at hand.
If, instead of focusing only on awareness, you put all of your effort into the task, then you’d miss someone sneaking up on you.
This is why you learn to balance both awareness with your current activity. Then you practice adding to the awareness side of the equation.
Does this make sense?
End Note
This martial-arts multitasking skill would include talking to a friend while being aware. Or maybe driving while noticing what else is going on.
It does not include “multiple multitasking.” No driving, talking on the cell phone, AND being aware.
It doesn’t work that way.
Become a better martial artist. Learn to increase your awareness level, no matter what you are doing. This is a valuable type of multitasking.
Download my new, free ebooklet, Ready for Anyone and Anything in a Fight
For an article on martial arts improvement, read Martial Arts Improvement.
Tiptoeing to Tranquility is a fun, little parable about staying safe in dangerous times: Tiptoeing to Tranquility.
Keith Pascal is a martial-arts writer and has taught martial arts for 25 years.
Tags: Martial Arts Advice, multitasking
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