Tip July 2004

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TRAINING PARTNER

July 01, 2004

The choice of training partner, especially during one step or scenerio training, is very important.

Some of the qualities needed would be a commitement to learn and train, the right attitude, a sense of humour, alertness, skill level, size and sex even personal hygiene.

Commitment

If our partner is not committed to train or learn from his / her training, we ourselves will get nowhere. If they refuse to kick, strike, block or move in the manner set, we will not derive the benefits of effective technique.

Attitude

If both partners come hyped up with a positive attitude to help each other train and master skills, all is well. If not, disaster, e.g. "I can do it another way better", "You technique sucks, but I won't tell you why", etc.

Humour

This should be mandatory in partner drills!

Alertness

Somebody who is unable to focus during drills is a danger to themselves, their partner and the class!

Skil Level

Partnering a black belt with a yellow belt during the primary training routine or session is really counter-productive to both.

Size and Sex

Do not get in a rut and practice with one partner exclusively. You will be able to defend and attack well against a person with one build and character only.

This is especially critical for ladies - YOU MUST PARTNER WITH A LARGER SIZED MALE TO DEVELOP EFFECTIVE SELF-DEFENSE CAPABILITIES!!

Personal Hygiene

Have you ever tried to train effectively with someone who had an unwashed or odour reeking dobok? How about messy hair? Unkept finger nails? Or someone from the great unwashed, body odour permeating everything within nasal sensor range? Kinda puts you off your training focus, yet?