As a Instructor who teaches Self Defense and Martial Arts to the Military and Law Enforcement, I discovered a effective method for teaching technique that is easily retained with maximum performance in an accelerated manner. You compound root movement within a base set of skills and refine it in the following way.
- Demonstrate the technique in it’s entirety step by step with dialogue and then demonstrate at combat speed.
- Explain the end resulted desired in a goal format. Tell the student(s) what the finish should look like.
- Back up three to five movements of the entire skill set and then take the student(s) to the end result. “By the numbers.”
- Start the entire skill set or technique from the beginning and quickly move to the finish. Only root movement matters, it doesn’t need to look pretty at this point. “Free Flow”
- Sit the student(s) down and explain the bio-mechanical aspects of the technique(s). What it does to the opponent.
- Explain the sequence of events of that aspect. Timing, etc.
- Explain and discuss the geometrical theory of the series or difficult portion. Describe “angles, lines and directions.”
- Take the student(s) and expose them to various speeds of attack. “By the numbers.”
- Form a gauntlet. I take one student at a time and place them at the head of designated “defend” space. The remainder of the group is at the other end. I send the “attackers” at three speeds. First run, slow and exaggerated. Second run, faster speed and more deliberate. Final run, combat speed and with intent.
It is important to note here that at step 9, you should ensure that safety is observed. I make all participants wear, sparring headgear, mouthpiece and gender specific protective gear. If you are running the gauntlet with weapons, ensure that all participants were eye protection as well. When I do run gauntlets at full contact level and speed; I prefer the “defender” to wear a full “Redman” suit or of similar nature. The “attackers” should at least be wearing headgear, eye protection, gender specific protection, elbow and knee pads and perhaps shin guards on shins and forearms. Remember safety of your students and clients is paramount to success.
After every student has “run” the gauntlet, reform the group and repeat steps 1 and 2. This will ingrain the root movements that they have just competed at “combat speed” into their subconcious and prepare them for either the next skill set or any “inserts” that you wish to add to their tool box.
This teaching method will enable you to rapidly and effectively teach a series of movements in a logical and step by step manner that results in a immediate and lasting memory.
Until next time,
Lets Get Training!
jim
