However, similar teaching methods may be employed with both. Things like relaxation, breathing, awareness and attitude all can be taught and all can benefit the guitar student as well as the karateka. The movements of this exercise force one to keep the fingers of the left hand in a very correct position, and I find that this helps keep my playing clean. Of course just playing and thinking about exercises will not build your playing prowess to its natural conclusion. The hope is that through drills designed to build spontaneity one may have the ability to use when they need it most, be that in self defense situation or in live performance.
Improvisation is essential to both genres.
Call it concentration or focus. But the state of mind during performance is key to both the musician and the martial artist. My own exposure to meditation is largely through my participation in the Religious Society of Friends, which practices silent, meditative worship. The experience is at once relaxing and energizing, a pattern Rick noticed, too. Relaxation allows use full use of the fine motor skills necessary to play guitar or to find the ignition key as you walk to your car with several hoodlums coming from behind with malicious intent.