The Whole is Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts: PTK as a System

Originally posted on January 16th, 2016 by Dustin B. Denson

Whole and Sum

Everything fits together.  What makes PTK a system is that all of the pieces fit together to make a whole that is greater than its sum.  Consequently, building background knowledge and activating prior knowledge is essential and easier (it seems to me) when teaching something new.

Inductive Learning Processes

PTK accommodates how humans learn, in a unique way, which is by induction; that is, “the inference of a generalized conclusion from particular instances” (www.mirriam-webster.com).  So, through the experience of particular instances a person draws a generalized conclusion, which is knowledge or an understanding of something that can be applied in various, multiple sets of circumstances.

Combatives Development Through Inductive Learning:  Combat Drills

This same process occurs during training in the combat flow or during combat drills.  Particular instances of the application of strategies and tactics are encountered or arise naturally out of the flow.  Consciously or subconsciously, the practitioner is learning by drawing generalized conclusions that can be applied in various and multiple sets of circumstances.  This process is an inductive one – learning through experience.  New knowledge and understanding is acquired.  This new knowledge and understanding, which goes beyond the information given or what the practitioner already knew, can be validated over and over again in the combat flow.  An implication of this is that the development of and understanding of the combat flow is significant.  Static drills or technique practice, while they have their place in training, cannot duplicate this.

Ramp Up Skill Development Through the Combined Core (5) Combat Drills

Since PTK is a system - the pieces all fit together, new knowledge and understanding is built on previous understandings – the building or activating of prior knowledge is crucial to the development of a student, his/her understanding, and success.  This can be done by making connections to other parts of the system whenever possible.  For example, pointing out something as simple as the fact that the slash/thrust in Panastas/Sungkete is the same slash/thrust learned in Multiple Attacks in the beginning can help students to make connections, build conceptual frameworks for understanding, and think more critically about what they know and learn.  He/she will begin to see the system as a whole whose sum is greater than its parts.