My Coaching PhilosophyFiled Under: Instruction, Rantings
The martial arts are challenging and rewarding. More than just a sport, martial arts is a form of self defense, fitness, opportunity for competition, an outlet of philosophy and artistic expression. As a coach, I respect the reasons a student may have for choosing to study martial arts and try to provide a framework where they can pursue their specific desires.
However, I have rules, regulations, and teaching ideals that remain constant throughout the different martial arts I teach, regardless or gender, age, or experience level of the students. My hope is that these rules and ideas assist all of us live, grow and love the martial arts. The study of martial arts has been one of the most positive forces in my life, and could be a defining element of joy in a student’s life as well.
Teaching Ideals
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Safety is priority number one. No goal, however worthy, will be worked on unless it can exist in harmony with this prerogative.
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My martial art classes are not a place for rehabilitation, mental or physical. True, martial arts strengthen the body and mind; but there is a base-line of personal well-being that must be maintained in order to maintain safety of the instructor and students. Serious emotional or physical injury need to be taken care of by a competent professional.
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We strive to respect others and ourselves. We cannot truly have one without the other.
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Our class is an environment of learning.
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We leaving our ego at the door. This is not a trite saying– we train in a space of safety and respect, so there is no need to prove anything to anybody. We know ourselves and accept ourselves with our combination of flaws and strengths. We do not compare ourselves to others for the purpose of creating a pecking order.
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All those in our classes are teammates and not competitors. We share knowledge, experience, and respect liberally with each other. The stronger our teammates become, the better off we are for it. We accelerate our growth collectively.
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When we train hard with each other, it is still in alignment with our views of safety, respect, and ego. When we compete, we do not deviate from our philosophies.
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As an teacher, I try to perpetually focus on fundamentals and strive for principle based instruction. As a shining example, I quote martial art instructor Matt Thornton, “The entire curriculum … revolves around the fundamentals of the delivery system. And because of this, each individual athlete is given the freedom needed to develop his/her own style; one that is optimum for their own body, mind and temperament. In a Gym that focuses on fundamentals, as opposed to a technique-by-technique template, each [student uses] very different types of games. And this not only produces better athletes/technicians quickly, it also helps impart and preserve the core Art (delivery system) itself.”
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Martial arts is a way of life. Our training is not a compartment our being, it is a fiber that runs throughout. If we are jerks outside of class, we bring that to the mats. Likewise, if we keep our cool, show respect and determination on the mats we will take that everywhere we go and to everyone we meet.
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Life is about joy and martial arts reflects that. We train hard, yes, but we laugh, play and relax in the joys of it. Our team is primarily a group of friends with a common interest in martial arts.
Rules, Regulations, and Expectations
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Arrive on time to class and notify the teacher if you must leave early.
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Wear appropriate training clothing. Sport shorts, athletic pants, or martial arts uniform (gi) are acceptable. Shirts are required. No clothing with metal zippers, rivets or buttons are permitted.
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No shoes of any kind are allowed on the mats.
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Body piercings and jewelry (including watches, wedding rings, necklaces) of all kinds are to be removed before training begins. They are safety hazards.
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Students “going too hard” in training will be reminded to relax first. Next they will be asked stop participating for a time if they cannot or will not control themselves. Repeat offenders will have private talks with the coach to determine if they can continue to train with team members.
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Students are expected to communicate with each other about how comfortable they feel about training intensity. Honesty-with-self and lack of ego make this easy – it is never a problem to say to a teammate, “I need to take it light today.”
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Cursing and vulgar language is not permitted.
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Remarks or gestures of a sexual nature will not be tolerated. I take such offences very seriously– depending on the instance, there may not be opportunity for students to remain training with the team. Our ability to grow as a team is affected when individuals create such discomfort.
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Students are expected to clean, take out, and put away the mats as necessary. This is a form of respect for self, team, and our environment.
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If students are found instigating fights, inside our outside of class, they will not be allowed to train with the team. True warriors save it for the ring.
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If students are sick, they are invited to watch but not participate.
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If you have medical conditions that could get others sick – hepatitis, various rashes, warts, etc – the instructor and training partners need to be aware. See below.
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Students are NEVER expected to share details of physical illness, disease, injury (emotionally or physically), but are expected to take responsibility for their own well being and sit out when necessary.
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If students are uncomfortable for any reason, they are not required to participate in the activity and may sit out.
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Students are expected to be clean physically for practice. Proper showering, usage of deodorant/antiperspirant, and oral hygiene are not just social conventions, but standards of safety and respect. Infractions will be brought up in a confidential manner.
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Fingernails and toenails are to be trimmed neatly; if they remain sharp, a nail file is to be used to smooth them.
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Training clothing is to be washed regularly, immediately after each use if possible. Just because you don’t sweat or they don’t smell does not give you permission to bend this rule. This is a matter of safety, not social convention.
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Students are expected to learn and apply the team training philosophies on their own, in addition to the instruction they learn.
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Students are expected to ask questions.
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Students are expected to inform the instructor if something un-safe is occurring.
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Students are expected to support teammates with positive reinforcement, never criticism. If you cannot offer a technical pointer without offense, don’t say it.
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Students are expected to have fun.
Assignment for U of U students:
After reading, you are required to write one comment about 50 words long. Use your first name and last initial so I can give you credit. As for the content of your comment, it’s up to you, provided it moves the conversation along. Question, disagree, ask for clarification, add your own thoughts. I’m sure I’ve missed something – illuminate me!
As we’ve talked about before, the “Cool post bro” response is inadequate.
Also, consider other teammate’s comments when you write your own. Feel free to address them and exchange ideas.
Other posts you may enjoy:
Tags: game, Philosophy, theory
- Permalink
- BartB
- 11 Mar 2010 5:34 PM
- Comments (27)
March 11th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
[...] This Article comes from SLC MMA To see the full original article click here [...]
March 12th, 2010 at 5:38 pm
A Thornton fan? So are you teaching JKD and Aliveness?
Also, Thornton prides himself on “instructor accountability”, claiming that any instructor who follows his programming is subject to outside challenges at any times. He says people who follow his philosophies are to be held accountable for their own skill level and have to accept all challenges from outside sources.
Thornton is a dangerous man to quote in the BJJ realm if you don’t follow all his ideals..
March 15th, 2010 at 11:32 am
In addition to your teaching ideals, mainly from the egoistic part, the thought of attitude came to mind. Yeah, sometimes when I come to class, I’m tired because its an early class, but later I get really geared up and want to start training. I really think that if we come to train, we should come with an attitude that we are wanting to. It just makes it a whole lot easier for people around you and I think its a step to improve your game.
- Sose M.
March 15th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
My primary interest in this class is to learn skills applicable in my intended career- I’m planning on going into law enforcement, and would like to gain a few skills that seem useful. The first are the numerous take-down and submission techniques which seem useful to an officer since they aren’t really allowed to just start throwing fists. I’ve been given the impression that cops use a modified form of jujitsu in subduing criminals, but that could be totally wrong. Additionally, I’ve never been much of a fighter, and thus have very little experience being hit in the face. It seems that a cop unaccustomed to that would be very vulnerable to being overpowered. So my specific questions for you coach are: are you aware of any instructors or classes that might focus on jujitsu for police use (other than the academy obviously)? Also, when can I get some experience with taking shots to the face?
March 15th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Vitamin_K –
I kinda am a Thorton Fan. I don’t know everything about him, but I’ve watched a couple of SBGi DVD’s and read some of their blog and like many ideas they’ve put out. But no, I definitely don’t teach JKD.
As for following all of his ideas – like I said – I’m not an expert on SBGi rules and philosophy, nor am I claiming to be one of his followers or instructors. I feel at ease developing my own path, one step at a time. I’m always trying to improve my game and learn, and certainly plan to look at more SBGi material in the future.
As for it being dangerous to apply the quote to BJJ – I think that focusing on the fundamentals is pretty much the holy grail.
Perhaps if you had some other, more subtle meaning, you should clarify.
Sose –
That’s a really good point. When you mentally prepare to train, you train so much better. Thanks for bringing that up.
Alex -
I think you’re pretty spot on with the “modified jujitsu” remark. I had a local police officer take my class and I asked him about this, and he told me that they mainly train Aikido, a wrist-lock heavy form of Japanese Jujitsu.
Additionally, a buddy of mine works for the prison system here, and his facility trains their guys in Aikido.
Of course my description doesn’t give Aikido full justice, but you’ll have to investigate that.
You can take some Aikido classes at the U and my current instructor, Eddie Edmunds, has also done some “Jujitsu for law enforcement” type seminars. You might want to contact either of these sources and find out more.
As for experience in being punched in the face – I’ll try to work something in. However, unless you want a face like mine, don’t get too much experience.
Seriously though, willpower and preparedness can really help you from being overpowered. It’s a legitimate concern, so there are a number of people much better than me who have studied it and prepared answers for it. If I were you, I’d ask a police officer specifically about it.
That being said, I’d be happy to share what I think.
March 15th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
My point was that if you associate yourself with Thornton, you’re associating yourself with several philosophies I don’t think you’re willing to accept.
Also, Alex there is a weapons class at the Thai Institute every now and then, as well as Kali/Escrima/Weapon training at Bernales Institute. If you’re looking for pure grappling with MMA influences there is a club at the University of Utah called SAMMA, which is free for students. But, it all depends upon your end goal.
March 16th, 2010 at 10:38 pm
I also thought that this class would be really hard because of how early it was but I’ve noticed that my excitement for the class helps me wake up in the morning now. I really agree with the safety issue and keeping the intensity at a safe training level. I remember I learned from wrestling that just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should if there is a chance you could hurt the other person. This is practice and the goal is to get better not see how hard you can slam your training partner. My main objective for taking this class was to participate in a submission grappling tournament which I am now on the 27th. I can’t wait for that and hope to learn as much as I can until then.
March 30th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
When I first saw this class I thought cool now I can actually learn how my friend does all these cool submissions. But I never thought it would be as hard to learn some of these moves, while at the same time seeming very simple once I’ve gotten the hang of it. I do think that safety is a very important part of any sport you participate in, because if you injure your training partner or opponent then you just simply lose that much more of your own training. This is a great class and sport and I will most likely be continuing to train in the future.
April 12th, 2010 at 6:22 pm
I really like the line ‘leave your ego at the door.’ Both genders have the ability to keep their ego as they are on the mat. I have been in many situations where the partner i am with (usually men) who keep resisting the submission because of the gender of their partner. I wish they could just let that part go. I also like the part where its important to listen to your own physical condition. There are so many times where its considered ‘weak’ to stop or take a break but majority of the time the people in this class want to push themselves farther then they are comfortable but its also imperative to listen to the bodies pain. Being able to stop when your in pain without seeming weak is always a relief to both genders. Later, Karli
April 16th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
Hey thanks for all of the guidance, I’ll have to talk to you in class for more info on the SAMMA and that law enforcement seminar of Eddie’s. I am still interested in being punched in the head, so please let me know whenever you need to let out some pent-up aggression. As for a comment about the class, I’ve really liked making the connection between MMA and some of the exercises we’ve been doing. When we first started doing “windshield wipers” the like, I was confused as to what their purpose was. Not until later in the class, when we practiced different MMA techniques such as escaping the top mount that we learned this week, did I understand the relevance of exercises like the windshield wiper. So that was cool.
April 20th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
though this class is early i think it is the prefect way to start any day. Training is not only fun but it teaches you to be respectful. i like how you said “Martial arts is a way of life. Our training is not a compartment our being, it is a fiber that runs throughout. If we are jerks outside of class, we bring that to the mats. Likewise, if we keep our cool, show respect and determination on the mats we will take that everywhere we go and to everyone we meet,” i really think this is statement is true. if you are respectful in class, that respect will follow you into the real world and it will teach you to become a better person.
April 21st, 2010 at 8:50 pm
I whole heartedly agree with this entire philosophy. I specifically appreciate the fact that safety is the number one concern, as it should be. The emphasis on the individual is also important. Everyone is different and to that end has strengths and weaknesses that play into a different end game. With the instruction style laid out the individual can improve along with the group each person’s strengths can help train others weaknesses.
Thanks Bart for making class informative, fun, and above all else safe.
Derek O.
April 24th, 2010 at 10:56 pm
Sorry I posted it without revising. Read this.
Overall, I mostly agree to what Bart says, and I want to add a couple of things. “Relaxation” is important during the training. Bart always told me “you are too intense”. This is why I got tired very quickly.
I disagree that considering your training partners as teammates. It is important to treat them with respect, however, without thinking they are your competitors, you will not have strong motivation during the training. Without the motivation, you will not more likely to put all your effort into your training.
Thanks
April 25th, 2010 at 8:16 am
The main thing I got out of this was that we as individuals bring our own skills, attitudes, feelings, and much more to the matt but we all come to learn some sort of martial arts. So in order to make that an enjoyable experience for all and to maximize the learning experience we need to these thoughts, rules, and regulations in order to keep it fun on the matt.
As i have taken a few martial arts courses at the U, I hav been able to see how these have a great effect on how I learn. When alot of these rules are followed I find I enjoy the class more and I learn better. When they are not, i tend to dread the class and not want to come. Its just something we all have to do because we are all different and this coaching philosophy, in my opinion, is the best way to bring different people together to learn martial arts.
April 25th, 2010 at 11:20 pm
Martial Arts are an amazing tool that can be utilized to strengthen, and discipline the mind and body. Training as a team is the most important factor that can be performed even though actual fights or competitions are won or lost on an individual level. It is the team that is by your side to cheer you on in victory or pick you up to encourage you in defeat. Train like you fight and fight like you train. Remember this one phrase: slow is smooth and smooth is fast! Semper Fidelis. Bart, thanks so much for all your help and insight. I look forward to more instruction from you in the next three semesters, then I get to go and kick some trash once again!
April 26th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
I’ve enjoyed your class. As you mentioned in class, reading “[Your] Coaching Philosophy” would help us train and workout to a fuller extent. The “Rules, Regulations, and Expectations” are legitimate, reasonable guidelines that apply not only during training but also our general society. If one were to summarize this post it would probably be just “respect”.
Thanks again for teaching us!
April 26th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
I think the best times in class and the times I learn the most is when my teammate offers good suggestions to me and will tell me something like “You’re pressure isn’t right here, do it this way.” or “I think if you did this it would work better.” Those are the kind of people I like training with because I know they aren’t there just for egotistical reasons, but are there to help you perfect your game. And, when they do offer suggestions that help, I feel that I can do the moves with much more confidence and thus technique the next time I do them. So, I think if we could just continue to be teammates and help each other learn, it would make our class a much better learning environment.
April 27th, 2010 at 11:48 am
Hello Coach,
Your description is well rounded and straightforward. On a personal level, however, if MMA is to be life philosophy not just physical training, what you bring to the mat in terms of physical and emotional injury is important. No one will be perfectly calm. I come in loaded, I leave with a blank slate. You do not need to be our psychologist, BUT as a coach you are required, to notice not only individual skill levels but moments of tension, lack of concentration, daydreaming, rashness, a sense of distraction. Building confidence goes hand and hand with identifying weakness. You are not responsible to burden our troubles. I just want you to integrate the emotional spirit of the individual and how MMA can make them stronger. If someone is tired and weak mentally, they need not stay home to contain their negative attitude. MMA has a way to reverse that. In other words, one should be encouraged to come if there are non-severe problems. Continued emphasis on restraint, roundness, relaxation, focus, will empower the individual. If it is a calm philosophy you seek outside the mat, the outside being must be confronted construtively on the mat. This is a much harder responsibility then just training and may represent a further development of your abilities as a coach. There is obviously a balance to be found in order to give enough attention to all being trained.
Sincerely,
Eli
April 27th, 2010 at 11:47 pm
I like what you said about Martial arts being a way of life. This is actually the reason that I wanted to take martial arts because I wanted to experience the discipline that comes with training in a martial arts form. I feel that martial arts can make you feel good about yourself and also be humbling as well. I feel that for me personally I need that center to be able to keep my cool and also with that I feel that for me as a dancer this would give me better control and power over my movement and my energy quality. I feel that Martial arts has also helped me to be able to take more risk.
April 28th, 2010 at 3:47 am
@ Alex
I’d recommend Krav Maga to you. I attended a couple of classes in Cologne and was very satisfied with it. The school I went to offered special courses for law enfourcers. Perhaps you can find similiar offers near you.
April 28th, 2010 at 11:35 am
Well, i agree with what many people have said with learning martial arts. I may self have taken some forms of martial arts and what they all have in common is that self-discipline is required. Another thing is safety all ways comes first. Another thing is that they help you think and act different in each situation. So I agree with your philosophy if we are up for it then do it.
April 28th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
When I come to class I can clearly see all stated ideals and rules being implemented. It makes for a safe, fun, and most importantly informative class. Mostly, safety and respect to our teammates is reiterated and followed. Because of this, I believe, it has helped each student be able to learn and experience the most out of each class. I can’t imagine the class as being as good of a learning experience without your philosophies being implemented.
April 28th, 2010 at 5:53 pm
I liked the class I just think it might’ve been a good idea to have had some “mini matches”. I know we roll but I think it might’ve helped us learn a little faster if we’d had matches against our teammates of about the same level and did whatever we knew, doesn’t have to be about winning.
I mean, we did practice everything with a partner after you explained. But when I played basketball or football for example, it seemed that during practice I didn’t get that much done (in terms of learning how to do a new technique, etc), and when I actually had to up against someone I could do things that I didn’t know or think I could do.
And I know some people don’t know what holding back means, but it’s worth it if you learn.
I haven’t gone to the gym in a while, but when I went with some friends sometimes we practiced random stuff.
Er, now that I wrote this I realize it’d be kinda hard to actually make “mini matches” happen, also people like me are probably not ready, but it was just a thought
April 28th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
Thank you for keeping hygiene on the charts! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve played sports and people are gross going into training, let alone going out. Also, the sickness factor is a very thoughtful thing to enforce. I have gotten sick a couple times from teammates that had a cold but the coach said they have to train anyway. But why make the student come to class at all if sick? I think there should be something in the class that can be used as an outside alternate assignment instead of coming to an extra class. Maybe a paper on technique? Thanks for a great year!
April 29th, 2010 at 9:43 am
Actually never mind, rolling is just fine, I just never did it properly until the last day
April 30th, 2010 at 5:35 pm
Thanks for the insights. It’s always interesting to learn what your teacher’s ideals and goals are. Even more, it is encouraging to learn that they agree with my own personal philosophy on martial arts. One of the important aspects that is personally important to me is the consideration that material arts can be more than just a sport; indeed it can be a way of life. Aside from respect and determination I think martial arts can also boost your confidence, which will benefit you in many ways, especially if you can take that same confidence to other parts of your life. For example, if you’re giving a presentation and you get a tough question, it’s reassuring to realize that if all else fails, you can persuade the troublemaker by putting him in a very convincing head choke
. Kidding off course, but I hope I get my point across. In any case, thanks for the insightful blog and for teaching a great class!
April 30th, 2010 at 11:22 pm
“Cool post bro.” jk.
I agree with everything that has been said in this post. Martial arts is a way of life for me.. and has been since I started training when I was 13. I also agree that it is important to remember to take joy in martial arts. Training hard is important, and so is remembering to play, laugh, relax, and have fun! Training shouldn’t be about proving something, it should be about a group of friends improving their skills in a positive environment.