Resetting is a method by which partners engage in a technique sequence to a finite end. At this point, they reset back to the beginning to repeat the sequence.

This occurs most often in partner training or one-step sparring. In this post, I discuss this in the context of a student “getting stuck” in a form or technique sequence. Resetting is one solution to this common problem.

More specifically, I use the resetting method as an intervention to prevent confusion.

An example is when two students are learning double sinawali. It is common for training partners to lose track and get mired in confusion, especially between two beginners. I often intervene and tell them to stop and start over again.

If this does not work, I will have them work with a senior to fix this issue.

I will then pair the beginners up again. Over time, the double sinawali drill will become more ingrained, and the confusion will recede.

Another example involves a 7-year-old boy during a recent class. He had been learning a basic empty hand form and doing well in class. However, his forward stance in one form section was too narrow. I stopped him and instructed him to widen his stance to shoulder width. Once he corrected his stance, I told him to finish the rest of the form. He turned the wrong way.

I told him to go back to his previous position and try again.

He turned the wrong way again.

And again.

I showed him the correct way to turn.

Even with my demonstration, he turned the wrong way again.

He had done this form multiple times in the past without a problem.

“How do I fix this?” I muttered to myself.

It was clear that the kid was getting frustrated even with me doing the form next to him. I even tried physically moving him, but it didn’t work.

“Okay, kid, I’ve got an idea. Let’s go back to the beginning and start all over.”

“Yes, sir.“

Boom! He nailed it.

It was as if his brain had gotten stuck in some loop, and by proactively resetting his form, I interrupted that loop.

A photograph of a young girl practicing block, check and counter with me.
This young lady got stuck once in a while. “Start over” was often effective.

Message to self: resetting or starting over is often more helpful than telling them “to work through it.”

Don’t get me wrong; there are times when “working through” a tough spot is the appropriate thing to do.

However, there are occasions where resetting is often the best way to get unstuck. In other words, it is another way of “working through a problem.” It is sometimes counterproductive to keep a student at the sticking point and make them work through a problem only to have their frustration mount.

Advising the student to slow down is helpful as well. Often, they rush through a technique or a form and lose their train of thought and get stuck. Slowing down and resetting is a useful combination.

This applies to life as well, doesn’t it? 

There are times when you will be stuck trying to “work your way through a problem.” For example, there have been times when I have written a blog post and, not being satisfied with it, stuck with it and tried to keep working at it. Often, I get nowhere. Nowadays, I know it’s better to leave the post and return the next day. Staying back and starting over often lends a fresh perspective on the rough draft.

“Start over” sometimes is all it takes to solve a problem.

Give me your thoughts on this topic! What do you think?

Additional Reading