Do it slow, as fast as you can

 

Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast

The "slow is smooth, smooth is fast" concept likely has its origins in the Military. Within that context, moving fast (or rushing it) is reckless and can potentially be fatal. However, if you move slowly, carefully and deliberately, you're actually moving as fast as you can without needlessly increasing the risk on your life. Practicing at reduced speeds will make you faster when you go full speed. Full speed is often slower than you think, and there is a difference between going full speed and being rushed. When you are rushed you stumble, fumble, and are generally all thumbs (or have two left feet). When you go full speed you  are going as fast as you can comfortably go. Martial artists do this, Soldiers do this, in fact, anyone trying to master a technique would do   well to practice slowly and increase speed only when it's comfortable. Doc Holiday said, "Take your time in a hurry" to describe how to win a gunfight. [1] With firearms, precision and accuracy get you the desired result---put the bullet through something vital and you put the man down. Miss and you get nothing. The expression comes from the rifle range. It's what Marine Corps instructors tell their trainees regarding loading, unloading, aiming, etc. It's an expression from the range that bleeds over into other areas of the Military and into the civilian world. Because the same "principles of violence" apply no matter what the tool we use, the same truth applies when it comes to using a knife, a stick, your boot, or empty hands---precision and accuracy get you the desired results. Put your boot through something vital and you put the man down. Miss and you get nothing. Slow practice is target practice---it gives you the time to get it done right, as well as the time to  be aware of your mistakes so you can correct them and learn from them. Train yourself to relax and perform the steps with efficient precision. Train to relax, train to focus, train to muscle memory. When you're relaxed and calm and need to move fast, you'll move like lightning. In the end, the person who gets it done right gets to go home. Taking your time with slow practice makes sure that’s you.   [1]  The exact origins are disputed. Some also attribute the quote to Sergeant  Alvin York   (Medal of Honor recipient), others to Wyatt Earp. One thing is for  sure, all three were accomplished gunfighters, so the origin of the quote is less important than the truth of it.

This article is borrowed from lehjujutsu

Do you teach beginners the same way as advanced?

 

Yes and No.

Beginners need 

1. Clarity.  They don't have a clue but want it.  They are ready for some detail but not too much.  At the least tell them where is the target and what is the outcome you want to see.
2. Steps.  Beginners need slow step by step instruction.
3. Create the scenario- Pull students in with an emotional mental and physical connection.  Make it realistic in their minds.

Advanced students need

1. Clarity.  But not during the workout phase but in the recovery phase.  Don't over-talk your class where you lose momentum.  There is a time and a place for discussion.
2. Steps.  Black belts want details.  Movement, musculature, history, philosophy, and anatomy.  Know all the details so you can pass it on.
3. Create the scenario.  Real combat needs to be scenario-driven not just technique-driven.

Tips to become a Master teacher

5 Tips on how to do the work of a martial arts master teacher (suggestions, of course):

1. Get and stay in great shape. Inspire hundreds of others to do the same. Record and broadcast the efforts, not to show off or brag, but to guide, teach, and inspire. Note: What others do for themselves, as a result of your help, is far more important than what you're doing for yourself. Your blog is always your first post, Facebook is last.

2. Promote self-defense, daily, as in one well written post a week, minimum, for 1000 posts; develop one highly informative 10 to 30 minute non-physical lesson, with visual teaching aids, handouts, etc. --teach to 1000 people, as a tool for practicing your presentation and getting feedback. Record and broadcast your efforts to promote your work --and to inform people who you won't reach face-to-face, but who will see you teach on-line. Get feedback on your presentation from a minimum of 3 of your martial arts seniors or mentors. Note: Less than 1000 people isn't a try. It takes repetition to master the work of imparting info people will remember and put to use.

3. Attend meetings in your community. Political, administrative, parent-teacher, chamber, service groups, etc. --and find a way, if possible, to make contribution, financially or thru labor, to each one. Get involved and record/document who you meet, what you learn, what the groups are meeting for, and how you get involved. Note: Do this to help them --and to show that you practice engagement.

4. Start writing. The LAST place you post is to Facebook. The first place you post is in your school's blog. Start making videos. You'll do 1000, most likely, before you get your game on, but learn to make films. Do not drive in your car while making video --make videos about your students, people in your community, and about things that need vocal assistance where you reside. Unless you have a product you promote nationally, or a product for other instructors, make videos aimed at people who don't know what you do in and for your community, by showcasing others. Take 1000 photographs and write a description of what you're shooting and why, with contact info for your school. The last place you post is always Facebook.

5. Every belt test begins months --and/or years --before the actual test. Show what, why, and how --as many small testing efforts are far better than a single day or weekend of testing. Teach yourself to tell great, funny, poignant stories.

T.I.P.

• Training
• Incentive 
• program

 Every time you get a stripe or a colored belt you get one step closer to Black Belt

You don't need a black belt to have a black belt attitude.  In everything you do try your _ _ _ _

BEST!