A couple weeks ago, I was reminded while visiting a friend the importance of having someone else watching what you’re doing. He was getting ready to take a class that included some disarm, and other hand to hand techniques. This particular class was an advanced class, and he already had a clue what they were going to go over. I asked him to show me some of the stuff, since 1. I was curious, and 2. I have a fairly considerable background in martial arts.
We went over what he already knew. There were a few spots where he was not exactly doing something right, and we worked on them. With other things, just him talking through what was going on helped him out. Of course, there was also pure and simple repetition that helped.
While we didn’t get a chance to go to the range this time around, we have in the past. He is, by far, a better shooter than I am. I think every time that we went, he’s given me pointers. It’s usually been things like “shift your off hand a bit,” or “shift your balance a bit.”
These things are often difficult for you to figure out on your own. Even if you do video it, and actually spot issues, you’re probably not in a position where you can practice the improved techniques immediately. Often times, we feel like we’re fast/powerful/in good form when we’re not. Having someone else that knows what to look for can instantly tell you what to improve.
Of course, a trainer is going to be the best at this (that’s their job!), but a friend that is at least roughly as good as you are can be a very useful training aid.
Hey! I think I know that guy!