Basics

[Tcell]

Attn: Mods - This seems to come under 'Standards of martial arts' therefore I posted it here, if it's in the wrong place apologies.

The purpose of this thread is to get your opinions & suggestions on an idea I have been kicking around for some time now.
I am thinking of running a non profit class for newcomers to the Martial Arts that show basic aspects of some Martial/Combat art/sport principles.
The idea is that some fundamental positions & principles are covered so that people can then go out & make a (more) informed decision on where they train. Sort of a physical manifestation of Bullshido kinda thing.

Was thinking of splitting into four sessions

1.Striking
2.Clinch/Takedown
3.Ground
4.Questions to ask, types of ma,fitness - freesparring.

Example lesson plan: Ground
Mount
Mount escape
Standing up in base
Guard (closed)
x1Submission from bottom/back (not top - why sumbit if you can gnp)

I am currently a Blue in BJJ, have done some Judo/MMA/Boxing/Kickboxing (not counting KF)-only competed in BJJ though. I would feel comfortable teaching basics in ground /takedown. But my clinch isn't great & neither is my stand up so I'll probaly get someone in to help for those sessions.
It's all about BASICS, I don't feel qualified to teach or show anything else, but am confident that I could point out basic principles to beginners.

Well that's the basic idea, whaddaya think?

[The_Tao]

good idea. but the non profit thing may get you in the long run.

[SuperGuido]

As long as you're honest with your students, I see no problem.

[Tcell]

Thank you for your comments.

The tao - The way I see it the running time will be over four weeks for each course, I can spare two hours a week so don't need to make money doing it.
Any money made over gym hire I'll donate to local charity.

Satori - I don't plan on people becoming my students per se, but other peoples students, allbeit informed ones.
It's all about trying to prevent people sucumbing to Bullshido.

The first group of people I'm looking at are colleagues in the Police, as our staff safety leaves a lot to be desired (imo).

[TKD Black Belt]

I am currently a Blue in BJJ, have done some Judo/MMA/Boxing/Kickboxing (not counting KF)-only competed in BJJ though.

- Some blue belts in BJJ can teach and if you stick to what you 'know' then you should be fine.

I would feel comfortable teaching basics in ground /takedown.

- Then talk to your professor and teach what you know but don't start teaching if you don't have his blessing. The issue is that you could skip over fundamental basics that would come back to haunt you and your students in the long run. Also, you are representing your school when you do this so keep that in mind.

But my clinch isn't great & neither is my stand up so I'll probaly get someone in to help for those sessions.

- Good idea.

It's all about BASICS, I don't feel qualified to teach or show anything else, but am confident that I could point out basic principles to beginners.

- Hmm, me thinks then that you shouldn't be teaching at all then.

Well that's the basic idea, whaddaya think?

- I think it's bad idea. If you know of enough people for this class to run then chip it up to someone who you would recommend to them. Don't create a first stage that would only serve to facilitate someone going on to a preordained second.

Don't get me wrong I think your intentions are good but there are other ways to make sure people end up in a good school. Outing the bad schools is probably the best way I know to make sure people end up in the best _ing _un, TKD, Sallat, BJJ, RBSD whatever School that is available.

TKD

[RunningDog]

Not a bad germ of an idea, I take it this is a "how to choose a martial art" course you're proposing?
Bear in mind, the market where you and I live is hungry for Tai Chi forms and wushu, let's face it, and these poor gullible souls will need some convincing that a teacher is legit if he isn't Chinese. Just reminding you what we're up against here. ITS A WAR I TELLS YA.

[NJM]

Tis a good idea, but will it really deter people from making bad decisions?

[Tcell]

TKD Blackbelt

Thanks for your comments.

It's not always possible to out all the bad schools, it just seemed to make sense to me to try & make it easier for people to make informed decisions.
If the course was taught by someone who is competent in all areas do you think the idea would have legs then, or do you think it's just flawed in principle?



Cheers

[RunningDog]

Of course the message is slowly, organically creeping through the martial arts anyway, as mma is increasingly seen as a legitimate sporting endeavour. But it can't do any harm helping the process along, can it?

I'm not sure about the 'not for profit' thing, if you're providing a service that helps people out and if you make sure you're outsourcing to cover the skills you lack, then why not make a little pocket money? Or a lot of pocket money?
If you only manage to cover costs, that's another issue.

[NJM]

How do you plan to pay for space? Will you be renting space at a local gym, or will this be going on at your home?