How much training does it take for a martial artist to "feel it in their bones"?

My goal in martial arts has nothing to do with belt color. I want to feel martial arts permeating every aspect of my being even when I'm just sitting in a chair doing nothing. How long does it take the average person to get that feeling?

How much training does it take for a martial artist to "feel it in their bones"?
A friend of mine studies human movement and he told me that it takes roughly 1000 hours of practice for a movement to become cemented in muscle memory and then of course you must practice it perfectly or it will not work and then add the fact that to keep it in muscle memory you must continually practice or you will lose the skill.





In my styl (Wing Chun Kung Fu) there are 17 hand techniques with at least 1 variation per technique, 7 stances and 7 peices of footwork so multiply all that by 1000 and you get a basic guess as to how long it may take, but the worst part is that your teacher will constantly change aspects that you will have to reprogram and your own understanding will constantyl change which will mean more refining.





This of course does not mean that you have to be perfect to be confident with your skills, just always strive to be perfect and even though you will never get there it will make you a better practitioner.
Reply:As long as it takes.





Really there is no answer for this, I cant say train for 5 yrs and you got it.
Reply:This is one Question I know a lot about. I Am that very way. Many would say I am obsessed with the MA's. I guess I am. It has become my life's journey. I am constantly training and working out. I teach to several members of my family. As for how long it takes, well, unfortionatly that is hard to say. Some it comes nearly instantly, others it takes a while. As for me, I was like that before I actually started. Then once I started, it was like, and still is, that I couldn't get enough. But I would have to say the average person, of course htis is just my opnion, would be a few years. Of course that is an opinion. And I warn you know, some may think you nuts for wanting to be that way. But I know how you want to feel. Basically like there is nothing besides Martial arts. I think with you, it will happen quickly, for you already have the wanting for it, now you just the need knowledge. Not sure if that answeres your ? or not.
Reply:Everyone is different, for me apx. 4 years
Reply:You've got to get 'the glow'. Unfortunately you'll never be as good as Sho Nuff.
Reply:It really depends on which martial arts you choose to take, how quickly you learn it, how quickly you can apply it, and how much dedication you put into it..





It can take anywhere from 1+ years to 20 years.... Its different for everyone...





If you take a more 'contact' MA like muay thai or kickboxing you might get that feeling much quicker then you would with something that lacks 'hands-on' pratice...





I got a story:


A young student asked his teacher "How long will it take me to be a master at my art?"


The teacher replied "5 years..."


The student then asked "What if i practice 4 times a week?"


The teacher replied "10 years..."


The student, confused, then asked "What if i practice every day, for two hours"


The teacher shot back "20 years..."


When asked why, the teacher said "with one eye focused on your destination, you only have one to find the way"





*disclaimer, its been two years since i read this 'story' so its not perfect*
Reply:Until it becomes muscle memory.
Reply:i used to feel the same about orienteering
Reply:Yolu may feel excited form day one, you will have ups and downs, injuries and failures along the way.





I think the feeling of confidence, power, internal energy, chi or good feleling will come a few years into your training but it may never come. It may have already come.





It truly depends on you, your focus and commitment.





KK
Reply:For me it took about 4 years i still do





Sadie





am i the only girl that answered this ?


cool