noun
learning by watching; observational learning
Martial arts term for learning techniques by carefully observing a teacher or advanced practitioner, without verbal instruction.
初心者はまず見取り稽古で型を覚える。
Beginners first learn the forms through observational learning.
見学 is a general term for observing for educational purposes, while 見取り稽古 is specifically a martial arts training method of learning by watching.
Compound of 見取り (watching and grasping) and 稽古 (practice, training). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the term is conventionally associated with traditional martial arts training.