> It seems like a no-brainer to have people learn on hammers

When I was young I attended a karate dojo. One interaction that always stayed with me was when someone asked why the guy with a black belt could do the katas differently.

The sensei answered that when learning, your task is to learn to do the katas perfectly. As a black belt, you have amply demonstrated that, so now your task is to be creative and build on the foundations.

I liked that answer, it applies to everything. Learn the basics before you are allowed to question them. After that, you must question them.