facepalm.....testing adults for rank..idiocy inside
Mon, 07/26/2010 - 16:48
so there are 2 very large adults in my buddy's self defense class. they are beginners but are very talented and quick learners. i coach the grappling aspect of the class and have become accustomed to hardcore testing for rank in the past. most of my tests *started* with 15 minutes of grappling round robin.
here's my disclaimer: belt ranks are pretty much useless in my eyes, i feel like the proof is the pudding. you should never stop learning, no matter how much you think you know. i got my black in american "freestyle" karate a few years ago and have since put it in the trash.
so these guys start their "test"..........with "higher ranking".............wait for it................12 year olds. keep in mind these dudes are 6 ft plus and around 200+/- pounds. i grappled with both of these guys for a total of 8 minutes, i think. beginners or not it was lame, there was no "test"..............facepalm. just had to rant.
Tue, 07/27/2010 - 03:56
#2
EXACTLY!!!!!!
part of it is i am incredibly frustrated with the insufficient instruction and practice that goes on. but he is a good friend and i hate to bust his bubble since his heart is in the right place. he is teaching mostly kids with a few adults, and i take the adults from time to time and show them no-gi bjj techniques. the rest of the time i help him out with the kids with the usual correcting routine.......hands up...dont look down, etc. he does kata's and some self defense. honestly it is all very much lacking. the self defense is weak and unrealistic, half the time the kids arent even engaged b/c he likes to talk and does alot of it. they usually just kinda look around or lean on the wall.
the class itself is a "christian" martial arts class (which is a hinderance IMO) , and has been discussed in another thread.
having spent a majority of my life in the arts and have seen both ends of the spectrum, hardcore and lacking. i honestly can say this is lacking.
so how do i tell a great friend who has a very sensitive heart that he is doing injustice to the people in his class. old and young alike arent really learning much of value. the belt system is a "pat on the back" thing where they get stripes if they have a pulse and dont pee on the floor if they are younger than ten. they advanced based their "heart and attitude". its all a big mess really.........
Tue, 07/27/2010 - 04:28
#3
LF ARMY #061
I'd think if he was truly a friend.. you have to tell him and be as honest (without being mean) as possible..
Do they roll/spar at all? I'd think having them do that might help illustrate the lack of skill?.. or maybe at least, make a friendly plea to add more realism to the program.. maybe more so with the few adults than the kids.
Maybe take 'em on a "field trip" to a tourney that has beginner or novice level no-gi and let them see what proficient beginners are really capable of.. it might open some eyes.
Tue, 07/27/2010 - 06:08
#4
("I'd think if he was truly a friend.. you have to tell him and be as honest (without being mean) as possible.")
i have tried to give input and suggestions at every chance available. i really think in the back if his head somewhere he gets offended whether he says it or not. i would quit b4 i said something, his heart is right and he really believes in what he is doing.
("Do they roll/spar at all? I'd think having them do that might help illustrate the lack of skill?.. or maybe at least, make a friendly plea to add more realism to the program.. maybe more so with the few adults than the kids.")
they dont even have head gear, etc. they have no clue what sparring is good for. in the small amount if time i work with the kids and try to explain basics of bjj. some do well...the rest pick their noses. they dont even do calisthenics to warm up before class.
("Maybe take 'em on a "field trip" to a tourney that has beginner or novice level no-gi and let them see what proficient beginners are really capable of.. it might open some eyes.")
the cost of taking the group would be greater than the benefit. most of them are stuck "the matrix" mode. they think hollywood is real.
i have pulled some of the adults to an extra day where there are no kids. i am the only one coaching and i actually put time into structure and more intense training w/ cardio, etc. it has been somewhat progressive so far.
its just a slippery slope i guess. any help??
Tue, 07/27/2010 - 08:05
#5
LF ARMY #073
Is this a free church class or an actual school that people pay dues?
Tue, 07/27/2010 - 08:42
#6
LF ARMY #076
Have you ever thought about taking him to a school that you think is doing things right and just have him meet and talk to some of their instructors. I would set it up ahead of time so he other people now what's going on. You introduce it to our friend as an opportunity to meet some other successful MMA/Selfdefense school instructors. At that point they could introdce the fundamentals of a successful school. You could also use that as a jumping point later on when you talk to your friend one on one.
Tue, 07/27/2010 - 09:20
#7
""Is this a free church class or an actual school that people pay dues?""
its mostly free i think, some people pay others dont. i dont get involved too much with that.
""Have you ever thought about taking him to a school that you think is doing things right and just have him meet and talk to some of their instructors. I would set it up ahead of time so he other people now what's going on. You introduce it to our friend as an opportunity to meet some other successful MMA/Selfdefense school instructors. At that point they could introdce the fundamentals of a successful school. You could also use that as a jumping point later on when you talk to your friend one on one.""
there arent really any schools around here that do it right. the ones here all do "ga-ragee do". i dont even think a visit to somewhere in another city would help much. he would see it as a way to "make friends" or "meet brothers in the arts" and not really evaluate the operation of the school/gym. thats what hard about making suggestions, he is just so damn nice, he thinks everything is a complement and not constructive criticism. trust me i have tried time and again.
Tue, 07/27/2010 - 09:46
#8
LF ARMY #073
If it's a free (semi-free) church club and your friend is just doing this as a service to get kids exercising, learn a little martial arts and have fun, then I don't see anything wrong.
If he is misleading them into believing that they are learning top notch martial arts training then I would be concerned.
We also have a local church that has a free grappling club twice a week. Let's just say: "You get what you pay for" 
Tue, 07/27/2010 - 10:09
#9
i can see is genuinely interested in the kids' welfare but the things he is passing on are borderline dangerous as it relates to self defense. he often says..."the things i am showing you may save your life.." truth be told they wont.
it cant be about exercising, b/c they certainly do none of that.
i am kind of torn, i dont want the kids learning bad techniques. but i also dont want to undermine what he is doing since he is so passionate about it.
btw to all replies..THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR IDEAS....
Tue, 07/27/2010 - 17:54
#10
I guess the question looming above all this is: does he have skills himself? I guess what I am asking is if he is a decent martial artist who has problems teaching; or, is he a good guy who wants to teach martial arts, but doesn't have the background?
I ask because, if the problem is the first one, it may improve and you may be able to help solve the problem. If it is the second, it won't matter what you do, the only solutions are for him to stop teaching the class or live with it the way it is.
Dave
Wed, 07/28/2010 - 05:05
#11
good point.....
he is competent with skills in judo and aikido (still wears that stupid hakama too). his teaching method includes ALOT of talking . he is a natural talker but i think the kids dont get it. kids get bored easily and they spend lots of time sitting while he works with someone in front of the group.
i think the material he is getting from his "association" is lacking in structure and overall weak material. ever heard of a defensive posture called the "sensor elbow"?
i dont think he is ready to instruct and the material he is using is mediocre at best. but how do you tell someone that if their intentions are well meant?
Wed, 07/28/2010 - 05:57
#12
I have to get this out of the way....those Aikido pants are bad a$$. If I could wear them all the time I would. They make you look neo-samurai!
Having said that...have you offered to help teach some real stuff? I used to go in to the UWM Shorin Ryu club and go over basic on the ground and whoop ace on the head of the Aikido club.
Wed, 07/28/2010 - 06:21
#13
@bulleteater
i will see if i can find you a discount online somewhere. what color do you prefer.........black?? they might go well with those v neck affliction shirts and a guido blowout haircut! (just kidding btw)
i get in wherever i can. its his class so i try not to step on toes. if i offer up stuff that is legit, he says "thats cool man".......then back to whatever he was doing.
Sun, 08/15/2010 - 18:35
#14
LF CAPT. #070
link this thread to him / 10
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