# The Learning Cycle

- Link: https://brianejohns.com/2020/02/24/blog-the-learning-cycle/
- Published: 2020-02-24T11:12:00-05:00
- Author: Brian Johns

As many of you know, I like teaching flow drills. I find it a practical and fun 
way to introduce the concepts of Modern Arnis. I find this a useful addition to 
a student’s learning cycle. The concepts range from abanico corto, palis palis, 
disarms, clearing, stick locking, switching hands, [footwork](https://brianejohns.com//2020/02/03/footwork/),
and more.

These drills keep both partners busy and reduce excessive socializing during class.
They are more interactive than the one-step technique sequence typical to many martial
arts schools.

However, to learn the flow drills, one must learn the basics. Among the basics that
one must learn before being introduced to the first drill are the following:

 * the 12 angles of attack;
 * blocking;
 * footwork;
 * block, check, and counter;
 * obstruction removal (aka [slap off/pull off](https://brianejohns.com/2015/08/05/blog-slap-off-pull-off-in-filipino-martial-arts/))
 * tapi tapi block

## Once the students are comfortable with the basics, I introduce them to the first drill, which serves as the template for my program’s remaining 19 flow drills.

My approach has evolved over the years. I impart the basics to teach the “mother
drill.” Then I use the drills to teach the fundamentals. It has taken me a while
to get to this point, and I still have a ways to go as a teacher. But I like where
I am compared to 2008 when I first started teaching here.

One impetus for teaching the flow drills is that most of my students attend one 
class a week. Such is life in a busy metropolitan area like the Greater Toronto 
Area, and this impacts their learning curve. Rarely do I see a student attend twice
a week; once a week is the norm for most students.

Often, students will miss class due to professional obligations, family life, changing
jobs, and other factors. Some have just enough energy to attend once a week. The
commute in the Toronto area can be as much as two hours for many.

## As a result, I have steadily shifted toward using flow drills as the basis for nearly every class.

Nearly every flow drill that I teach has the same basic template, which is easy 
for many to remember. The usual progression for a class is a breakdown of the drill’s
significant components. Then, do the drill—maybe a variation or two.

The beautiful thing is that I use the flow drills to reinforce the basics, such 
as a clean post block, correct footwork, and proper form. Some students will have
cleaner fundamentals than others, and some will take longer to polish up. That’s
okay because not everyone progresses at the same pace.

Applications come into play as well. For example, a couple of weeks ago, I went 
over the applications of the pulling motion of Flow Drill 3. I transitioned into
various counter-pulling techniques and how they can be applied to empty-hand situations.
That was a fun class! 🙂

I have used the flow drills to teach sensitivity, as well. Here’s an example from
one of my flow drills:

If you can’t see the video, click [here](https://youtu.be/Nm4wlJ3XAik).

Many have told me that they love the flow drills. There is so much you can teach
from them. They allow me to keep things simple and not have my students memorize
200 techniques.

Keeping it simple is critical for students attending class just once a week. Over
time, through the flow drills, they learn the central concepts of Modern Arnis. 
While I’m still tweaking my teaching approach, I have increasingly settled on this
as an effective way to teach my students, and nothing can budge me from this belief.

## Over to you, what do you incorporate into your classes to enhance the learning cycle? Let’s hear it from you!

## Additional Reading

 * [Friday Recommendation #20](https://brianejohns.com/2023/09/15/friday-recommendation-20/)
 * [GM Bobby Taboada/Master Chuck Gauss Seminar](https://brianejohns.com/2014/05/05/blog-gm-bobby-taboada-master-chuck-gauss-seminar/)
 * [Go With The Flow!](https://brianejohns.com/2015/04/13/blog-go-with-the-flow/)
 * [Is There A Connection between El Niño and Increased Crime?](https://brianejohns.com/2023/07/13/is-there-a-connection-between-el-nino-and-increased-crime/)
 * [Friday Recommendation #5](https://brianejohns.com/2021/03/26/blog-friday-recommendation-5/)

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