Dr. Gyi asked U Ba Than Gyi how one should select a system in which to train. U Ba Than’s reply was to choose NOT the system you liked best intellectually, but rather to choose the system most suited to you physically. One’s physical potential must mesh with the animal, or the student must move on to another animal system. The animal systems are rich and diverse enough so that each student can find a “home” in at least one system. The system should not harm the student’s body.
Once the student finds a “home,” certain techniques in the system require an enormous amount of “regularities” (that is, consistent and persistent drilling, conditioning, and execution) to build the required reflexive muscle memory. These “regularities” give the student skill and self-confidence, as well as a sense of belonging in the animal’s tradition.
