I’m a defensive tactics instructor for work. I’m presently going through an extensive certification for teaching weapons.

During our advanced instructor methodology class, an instructor said something that stood out to me, that I hope will encourage others as it did me.

Whenever we’ve been shown a technique (during this training) we’re first shown with the instructor under pressure. Meaning it’s shown with resistance or challenge. Every time they’ve done this they’ve succeeded and in turn pulled a “buy in” from each of us.

We were told this is a twofold blessing. One, you show the student the technique works, and two you help increase your own ability. Without ragging on others teaching, they asked how often we have an instructor, or we as an instructor “tell a move” rather then “show the move”. More then just going through the motions, but actually proving it works BEFORE teaching it.

Was a good thing to think about. During class yesterday I applied it and it worked very well. They even said that if the technique doesn’t succeed fully (why instructors fear to show under pressure) you can explain such is the nature of resistance, but still gain the respect of showing the effort. Just thought I’d share.

Hope you all are blessed, and hope to see you on the mats.