When the Instructor becomes the instructed
So, have you even wondered if your instructors at Elite Training Center continue to train and study under outside instructors? The short answer is yes we do. The long answer addresses why we continue to train and study under outside instructors. While there may be numerous reasons why we continue our study of the martial arts, the drive to study is rooted in becoming the very best instructors that we can be.
Obviously, the first reason that instructors train (or at least should train) with outside instructors is to obtain new information. If we don’t actively seek out new methodologies, techniques and tactics, our skill sets becomes “stale” over time. This in turn means that the information that we present to our students is out of date or potentially dangerous. If we as instructors want to stay at the cutting edge of our particular discipline we must continue to seek out new information from outside sources.
Even if no new information is gained from our training with outside instructors, we might learn new, more effective ways to present the information that we already know. As instructors, we run the risk of getting “board” with going over the same information, using the same drills and explanations over and over again. When we train with outside sources we are exposed to new methods of teaching. This can have the effect of not only invigorating our enthusiasm to teach but provides us new, fresh means to present the information to you the student. This recharged instructional energy, combined with new instructional drills, challenges the student and increases the overall enjoyment of the class.
Another benefit of training with outside instructors is that we get to test our current knowledge base. Often the only way to ensure that we are presenting the most sound, logical techniques is to test them against somebody who is not familiar with how we do things. Now this does not mean that we go out and get into fights with other instructors. What happens is that we often have the chance to demonstrate our methodologies, techniques and drills to fresh, well trained eyes. These outside eyes are often able to see even the smallest of our deficiencies. This technical critique helps instructors ensure that they are presenting not only the correct information, but also ensure that they are presenting that information in the most logical and efficient means possible.
There are those times when we instructors train with outside sources and learn no new information or techniques, learn no new methods of presentation and have no opportunity to test our current knowledge base. But even in these extremely rare instances, we still learn a very valuable thing. We learn what not to do. Sometime learning what the wrong answer is can be just as important as learning the correct answer. During these instances, we as instructors must take care not to become arrogant in our abilities. We must remain humbly grateful for even the smallest opportunity to learn.
So the take away for you students is twofold. First, you never know it all so never pass up an opportunity to learn. Second, you can always learn something new every time you train; you just have to be open to the possibility.
Instructor William Green
ECCE·EGO·MITTE·ME
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Elite Training Center
1628 South Pacific Coast Highway,
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 543-1600
www.elitetrainingcenter.net
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