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'''Pokémon training''' is a broad term which describes everything a [[Pokémon trainer]] does in their quest to become a [[Pokémon master]]. Mostly, it relates to raising [[Pokémon]], particularly for [[Pokémon battle|battle]]. Many people in the [[Pokémon world]] practice Pokémon training to some extent.
[[File:Dawn Piplup practicing.png|thumb|220px|{{an|Dawn}} and her {{TP|Dawn|Piplup}} about to start training]]
'''Pokémon training''' is a broad term which describes everything a [[Pokémon Trainer]] does in their {{pkmn|journey}} to prepare their {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} for an activity. Mostly, it relates to raising {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} particularly for {{pkmn|battle}}, but it can also refer to practicing for [[Pokémon Contest]]s and {{cat|Pokémon competitions|several other competitions}}. Many [[Human|people]] in the [[Pokémon world]] practice Pokémon training to some extent.


=Philosophy=
==Philosophy==
In a broad sense, Pokémon training is based on the answer to two questions: What should the relationship between a Pokémon trainer and Pokémon be, and what is the best way to foster this relationship? Depending on their individual viewpoints regarding training, different trainers follow different methods of training and focus on different areas. It is generally thought that there is no one right way to train, since many methods have valid reasons behind them and their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
In a broad sense, Pokémon training is based on the answer to two questions: What should the relationship between a Pokémon Trainer and Pokémon be, and what is the best way to foster this relationship? Depending on their individual viewpoints regarding training, different Trainers follow different methods of training and focus on different areas. It is generally thought that there is no one right way to train, since many methods have valid reasons behind them and their own set of advantages and disadvantages.


However, in particular, many training methods will fall into one of two categories. The first category is methods which focus on the [[happiness]] and well-being of Pokémon and developing a bond of friendship. The second category is methods which focus on developing the strength and ability of a Pokémon and being able to control it masterfully. Trainers will often argue about which of these two views is best. In fact, this is a common theme in the [[canon]], frequently supporting the idea that friendship is the most important thing in a trainer's relationship with Pokémon, and a good trainer can bring out the strength of any Pokémon with their love and care.
However, in particular, many training methods will fall into one of two categories. The first category is methods which focus on the [[friendship]] and well-being of Pokémon and developing a bond of friendship. The second category is methods which focus on developing the strength and ability of a Pokémon and being able to control it masterfully. Trainers will often argue about which of these two views is best. In fact, this is a common theme in the [[canon]], frequently supporting the idea that friendship is the most important thing in a Trainer's relationship with Pokémon, and a good Trainer can bring out the strength of any Pokémon with their love and care.


However, the debate has carried over to the fans of the Pokémon series, particularly between players of the [[Pokémon games]]. Some follow the messages of the canon, raising and battling Pokémon with love and care, doing their best to make the best of any Pokémon without dwelling too much on its relative strength. Others focus on raising Pokémon for the exclusive purpose of doing well in competition, and will go to many lengths to ensure they raise the most powerful Pokémon possible. There is no clear answer about which of the two methods is better, since both have their advantages and disadvantages.
However, the debate has carried over to the fans of the Pokémon series, particularly between players of the [[Pokémon games]]. Some follow the messages of the canon, raising and battling Pokémon with love and care, doing their best to make the best of any Pokémon without dwelling too much on its relative strength. Others focus on raising Pokémon for the exclusive purpose of doing well in competition, and will go to many lengths to ensure they raise the most powerful Pokémon possible. There is no clear answer about which of the two methods is better, since both have their advantages and disadvantages.


=Aspects=
==Aspects==
==Catching Pokémon==
===Catching Pokémon===
===Collecting Pokémon===
{{main|Caught Pokémon}}
Generally, when a trainer begins their quest, the local [[Pokémon professor]] will provide them with three things: a [[starter Pokémon]], some [[Poké Ball]]s, and an empty [[Pokédex]]. The first two will help the trainer [[catch]] [[wild Pokémon]], which will add information to the Pokédex. As [[Pokémon researcher|researchers]], professors enlist in the aid of trainers to help them gather information on Pokémon.
====Collecting Pokémon====
Generally, when a Trainer begins their quest, the local [[Pokémon Professor]] will provide them with three things: a [[starter Pokémon]], some [[Poké Ball]]s, and an empty [[Pokédex]]. The first two will help the Trainer catch [[wild Pokémon]], which will add information to the Pokédex. As researchers, Professors enlist in the aid of Trainers to help them gather information on Pokémon.


However, catching many different kinds of Pokémon is beneficial to trainers as well. Learning to capture [[rarity|common]] Pokémon will teach them the skills they need to capture rare and powerful Pokémon, or even [[legendary Pokémon]]. Having lots of Pokémon also gives the trainer more selection in which Pokémon they would like to raise, and adds lots of useful information to their Pokédex about different species of Pokémon.
However, catching many different kinds of Pokémon is beneficial to Trainers as well. Learning to catch [[rarity|common]] Pokémon will teach them the skills they need to catch rare and powerful Pokémon, or even [[Legendary Pokémon]]. Having lots of Pokémon also gives the Trainer more selection in which Pokémon they would like to raise, and adds lots of useful information to their Pokédex about different species of Pokémon.


Not all Pokémon can be found in the wild or [[evolution|evolved]] from other Pokémon. Because of this, it helps trainers to be good at negotiating [[trade]]s, though this is not consider training.
Not all Pokémon can be found in the wild or [[evolution|evolved]] from other Pokémon. Because of this, it helps Trainers to be good at negotiating [[trade]]s, though this is not considered training.


Trainers who are mostly concerned with building their collection of Pokémon usually fall into the class of [[collector]]s. Many other classes focus on collecting Pokémon with certain traits or [[elemental types]].
Trainers who are mostly concerned with building their collection of Pokémon usually fall into the class of {{tc|collector}}s. Many other classes focus on collecting Pokémon with certain traits or [[type]]s.


===Building a team===
====Building a team====
Out of all the [[captured Pokémon]] a trainer may have, they can only keep six of these on their [[party]], and cannot always send all six into [[Pokémon battle|battle]]. Therefore, a trainer usually focuses on training no more than six Pokémon at a time.
{{main|Party}}
Out of all the [[caught Pokémon]] a Trainer may have, they can only keep six of these on their [[party]], and cannot always send all six into {{pkmn|battle}}. Therefore, a Trainer usually focuses on training no more than six Pokémon at a time.


Some trainers do not put much though into this, and simply choose Pokémon which appeal to them or who wish to travel with them. Other trainers build their teams with great care, selecting Pokémon which work well together and can take down a wide variety of opponents. Trainers who are even more focused on building a strong team may go out of their way to make sure they capture the strongest of a species, finding one which has a [[nature]] and [[DVs]] which are most beneficial to it, or selectively [[Pokémon breeding|breed]] Pokémon to get the best [[move]]s.
Some Trainers, such as {{Ash}}, do not put much thought into this, and simply choose Pokémon which appeal to them or who wish to travel with them. Other Trainers, such as {{Gary}}, build their teams with great care, selecting Pokémon which work well together and can take down a wide variety of opponents. Still other Trainers who are even more focused on building a strong team, such as [[Paul]], may go out of their way to make sure they catch the strongest of a species, finding one which has a [[Nature]] and [[individual values|IVs]] which are most beneficial to it, or selectively {{tc|Pokémon Breeder|breed}} Pokémon to get the best [[move]]s.


==Raising Pokémon==
In the [[Pokémon Adventures]] {{pkmn|manga}}, rather than being unable to carry more than six on a team, it is just common practice to do so, as it is believed that a Trainer cannot give more than six Pokémon a fair amount of attention.
===Caretaking===
A trainer is responsible for the health and [[happiness]] of their Pokémon.  Therefore, trainers are expected to [[Pokémon food|feed]] them, take them to [[Pokémon Center]]s regularly, heal their [[status ailment]]s, revive them when they have [[faint]]ed, and give them attention and affection.


Focus in this area is referred to in the [[Pokémon anime|anime]] as [[Pokémon breeding]].  Unsurprisingly, the trainers who are often most concerned about this are called [[Pokémon breeder]]s.
===Raising Pokémon===
====Caretaking====
[[File:Dawn Piplup bedside.png|thumb|220px|Dawn taking care of Piplup]]
A Trainer is responsible for the health and [[friendship]] of their Pokémon. Therefore, Trainers are expected to [[Pokémon food|feed]] them, take them to [[Pokémon Center]]s regularly, heal their [[status condition]]s, treat their {{pkmn|illness}}es, revive them when they have [[fainting|fainted]], {{pkmn|groomer|groom}} them, and give them attention and affection.


Neglecting and abusing a Pokémon is often looked down upon, since it reflects a severe lack of responsibility as a trainer.  Some [[villainous teams]], however, feel abusing a Pokémon will actually make the Pokémon stronger.  [[Cipher]] takes this idea to an extreme and will "close the heart's door", turning normal Pokémon into [[Shadow Pokémon]].  Therefore, restoring them to their natural state by [[purification]] is considered a method of caretaking as well.
Focus in this area is referred to in the {{pkmn|anime}} as [[Pokémon breeding]]. Unsurprisingly, the Trainers who are often most concerned about this are called {{tc|Pokémon Breeder}}s.


===Building strength and skill===
Neglecting and abusing a Pokémon is often looked down upon, since it reflects a severe lack of responsibility as a Trainer. Some [[villainous teams]], however, feel abusing a Pokémon will actually make the Pokémon stronger. [[Cipher]] takes this idea to an extreme and will "close the heart's door", turning normal Pokémon into [[Shadow Pokémon]]. Therefore, restoring them to their natural state by [[purification]] is considered a method of caretaking as well.
Though some trainers are happy with raising happy, healthy Pokémon, many trainers want to [[Pokémon battle|battle]] with their Pokémon and thus need to develop its combat abilities. This is often to the benefit of the Pokémon as well, since Pokémon often exhibit a desire to fight and become stronger. Often, this is the aspect most associated with the term Pokémon training.


The easiest way to raise a Pokémon's strength is to battle the Pokémon, which will give it [[experience]] and allow it to gain [[level]]s, thus improving its [[stats]] and generally making it stronger. Trainers also teach their Pokémon new [[moves]] which will aid it in battle.  Some trainers may even monitor a Pokémon's [[effort values]] to ensure that their Pokémon gains the most beneficial stats.
====Building strength and skill====
Though some Trainers are happy with raising happy, healthy Pokémon, many Trainers want to {{pkmn|battle}} with their Pokémon and thus need to develop its combat abilities. This is often to the benefit of the Pokémon as well, since Pokémon often exhibit a desire to fight and become stronger. Often, this is the aspect most associated with the term Pokémon training.


===Evolution===
The easiest way to raise a Pokémon's strength is to battle the Pokémon, which will give it [[experience]] and allow it to gain [[level]]s, thus improving its [[stats]] and generally making it stronger. Trainers also teach their Pokémon new [[move]]s which will aid it in battle. Some Trainers may even monitor a Pokémon's [[effort values]] to ensure that their Pokémon gains the most beneficial stats.
Managing a Pokémon's [[evolution]] is an important part of training, though it can easily fall under general caretaking or building strengh depending on the trainer's motivation. A trainer has a large amount of control in deciding when and how their Pokémon should evolve. This grants them a lot of control over the strength of their Pokémon.  However, not all trainers evolve their Pokémon purely for reasons of strength, and some may even choose to leave them unevolved.


==Battling Pokémon==
====Evolution====
''Main article: [[Pokémon battle]]''
{{main|Evolution}}
Managing a Pokémon's evolution is an important part of training, though it can easily fall under general caretaking or building strength depending on the Trainer's motivation. A Trainer has a large amount of control in deciding when and how their Pokémon should evolve. This grants them a lot of control over the strength of their Pokémon. However, not all Trainers evolve their Pokémon purely for reasons of strength, and some may even choose to leave them unevolved.


Though other aspects of Pokémon training are as important as battling, many feel that how well a trainer battles is the best demonstration of how well they train. It raises the question of whether those who excel in specific areas of training are worse trainers, which may be why the definition of [[Pokémon champion]] is well-defined while the definition of [[Pokémon master]] is ambiguous.
===Battling Pokémon===
{{main|Pokémon battle}}
Though other aspects of Pokémon training are as important as battling, many feel that how well a Trainer battles is the best demonstration of how well they train. It raises the question of whether those who excel in specific areas of training are worse Trainers, which may be why the definition of [[Pokémon Champion]] is well-defined while the definition of [[Pokémon Master]] is ambiguous.


Still, ability in battle is widely regarded as the "payoff" of Pokémon training because it tests the health and strength of the Pokémon, the tactics of the trainer, and the relationship between them all at once. Battling is an essential part of training in other senses, too, since most Pokémon are captured in battle and most Pokémon are raised in battle.
Still, ability in battle is widely regarded as the "payoff" of Pokémon training because it tests the health and strength of the Pokémon, the tactics of the Trainer, and the relationship between them all at once. Battling is an essential part of training in other senses, too, since most Pokémon are obtained in battle and most Pokémon are raised in battle.


=Related articles=
==In other languages==
*[[Pokémon trainer]]
{{langtable|color={{diamond color light}}|bordercolor={{diamond color}}
*[[Pokémon breeding]]
|de=Pokémon-Training
<!--*[[Pokémon coordination]]-->
|es=Entrenamiento Pokémon
|fr=Entraînement de Pokémon
|it=Allenamento Pokémon
|ko=포켓몬 육성 ''Pokémon Yukseong''
|pt=Treinamento Pokémon
}}
 
==Related articles==
* [[Pokémon Trainer]]
* [[Pokémon breeding]]
* [[Pokémon Coordinator]]
 
{{training}}


[[Category:Pokémon world]]
[[Category:Pokémon world]]
[[Category:Terminology]]
[[Category:Terminology]]
[[it:Allenamento Pokémon]]

Revision as of 19:47, 18 September 2016

Dawn and her Piplup about to start training

Pokémon training is a broad term which describes everything a Pokémon Trainer does in their journey to prepare their Pokémon for an activity. Mostly, it relates to raising Pokémon particularly for battle, but it can also refer to practicing for Pokémon Contests and several other competitions. Many people in the Pokémon world practice Pokémon training to some extent.

Philosophy

In a broad sense, Pokémon training is based on the answer to two questions: What should the relationship between a Pokémon Trainer and Pokémon be, and what is the best way to foster this relationship? Depending on their individual viewpoints regarding training, different Trainers follow different methods of training and focus on different areas. It is generally thought that there is no one right way to train, since many methods have valid reasons behind them and their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

However, in particular, many training methods will fall into one of two categories. The first category is methods which focus on the friendship and well-being of Pokémon and developing a bond of friendship. The second category is methods which focus on developing the strength and ability of a Pokémon and being able to control it masterfully. Trainers will often argue about which of these two views is best. In fact, this is a common theme in the canon, frequently supporting the idea that friendship is the most important thing in a Trainer's relationship with Pokémon, and a good Trainer can bring out the strength of any Pokémon with their love and care.

However, the debate has carried over to the fans of the Pokémon series, particularly between players of the Pokémon games. Some follow the messages of the canon, raising and battling Pokémon with love and care, doing their best to make the best of any Pokémon without dwelling too much on its relative strength. Others focus on raising Pokémon for the exclusive purpose of doing well in competition, and will go to many lengths to ensure they raise the most powerful Pokémon possible. There is no clear answer about which of the two methods is better, since both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Aspects

Catching Pokémon

Main article: Caught Pokémon

Collecting Pokémon

Generally, when a Trainer begins their quest, the local Pokémon Professor will provide them with three things: a starter Pokémon, some Poké Balls, and an empty Pokédex. The first two will help the Trainer catch wild Pokémon, which will add information to the Pokédex. As researchers, Professors enlist in the aid of Trainers to help them gather information on Pokémon.

However, catching many different kinds of Pokémon is beneficial to Trainers as well. Learning to catch common Pokémon will teach them the skills they need to catch rare and powerful Pokémon, or even Legendary Pokémon. Having lots of Pokémon also gives the Trainer more selection in which Pokémon they would like to raise, and adds lots of useful information to their Pokédex about different species of Pokémon.

Not all Pokémon can be found in the wild or evolved from other Pokémon. Because of this, it helps Trainers to be good at negotiating trades, though this is not considered training.

Trainers who are mostly concerned with building their collection of Pokémon usually fall into the class of collectors. Many other classes focus on collecting Pokémon with certain traits or types.

Building a team

Main article: Party

Out of all the caught Pokémon a Trainer may have, they can only keep six of these on their party, and cannot always send all six into battle. Therefore, a Trainer usually focuses on training no more than six Pokémon at a time.

Some Trainers, such as Ash, do not put much thought into this, and simply choose Pokémon which appeal to them or who wish to travel with them. Other Trainers, such as Gary, build their teams with great care, selecting Pokémon which work well together and can take down a wide variety of opponents. Still other Trainers who are even more focused on building a strong team, such as Paul, may go out of their way to make sure they catch the strongest of a species, finding one which has a Nature and IVs which are most beneficial to it, or selectively breed Pokémon to get the best moves.

In the Pokémon Adventures manga, rather than being unable to carry more than six on a team, it is just common practice to do so, as it is believed that a Trainer cannot give more than six Pokémon a fair amount of attention.

Raising Pokémon

Caretaking

Dawn taking care of Piplup

A Trainer is responsible for the health and friendship of their Pokémon. Therefore, Trainers are expected to feed them, take them to Pokémon Centers regularly, heal their status conditions, treat their illnesses, revive them when they have fainted, groom them, and give them attention and affection.

Focus in this area is referred to in the anime as Pokémon breeding. Unsurprisingly, the Trainers who are often most concerned about this are called Pokémon Breeders.

Neglecting and abusing a Pokémon is often looked down upon, since it reflects a severe lack of responsibility as a Trainer. Some villainous teams, however, feel abusing a Pokémon will actually make the Pokémon stronger. Cipher takes this idea to an extreme and will "close the heart's door", turning normal Pokémon into Shadow Pokémon. Therefore, restoring them to their natural state by purification is considered a method of caretaking as well.

Building strength and skill

Though some Trainers are happy with raising happy, healthy Pokémon, many Trainers want to battle with their Pokémon and thus need to develop its combat abilities. This is often to the benefit of the Pokémon as well, since Pokémon often exhibit a desire to fight and become stronger. Often, this is the aspect most associated with the term Pokémon training.

The easiest way to raise a Pokémon's strength is to battle the Pokémon, which will give it experience and allow it to gain levels, thus improving its stats and generally making it stronger. Trainers also teach their Pokémon new moves which will aid it in battle. Some Trainers may even monitor a Pokémon's effort values to ensure that their Pokémon gains the most beneficial stats.

Evolution

Main article: Evolution

Managing a Pokémon's evolution is an important part of training, though it can easily fall under general caretaking or building strength depending on the Trainer's motivation. A Trainer has a large amount of control in deciding when and how their Pokémon should evolve. This grants them a lot of control over the strength of their Pokémon. However, not all Trainers evolve their Pokémon purely for reasons of strength, and some may even choose to leave them unevolved.

Battling Pokémon

Main article: Pokémon battle

Though other aspects of Pokémon training are as important as battling, many feel that how well a Trainer battles is the best demonstration of how well they train. It raises the question of whether those who excel in specific areas of training are worse Trainers, which may be why the definition of Pokémon Champion is well-defined while the definition of Pokémon Master is ambiguous.

Still, ability in battle is widely regarded as the "payoff" of Pokémon training because it tests the health and strength of the Pokémon, the tactics of the Trainer, and the relationship between them all at once. Battling is an essential part of training in other senses, too, since most Pokémon are obtained in battle and most Pokémon are raised in battle.

In other languages

Language Title
France Flag.png French Entraînement de Pokémon
Germany Flag.png German Pokémon-Training
Italy Flag.png Italian Allenamento Pokémon
South Korea Flag.png Korean 포켓몬 육성 Pokémon Yukseong
Portugal Flag.png Portuguese Treinamento Pokémon
Spain Flag.png Spanish Entrenamiento Pokémon

Related articles

Pokémon training
CatchingNicknamingBattlingEvolvingTradingBreedingReleasing