BrianBrief #2
In one sense, I have two different kinds of private clients. Both concern the willingness to slow down their training sequences.
The first kind consciously slows down their technique (often prompted by me) to smooth things out.
For example, I have a brother-sister duo who are particular about slow, smooth technique. I learned that their acting training and background informed their approach. For example, they both took body movement classes. Guess what? The emphasis was on slow, controlled movements.
The second kind rushes through their technique, particularly when learning new material. Some don’t realize that they are going too fast and that their technique is deeply flawed. Verbal prompting often fixes this issue.
The more difficult clients are those who do not perceptibly slow down after my request. This type of client is either unwilling to slow down or has no idea how to dial back. It’s as if they are stuck in one gear. In this situation, I will take control and move at super slow speed to make my point. Most of the time it works.
Some subscribe to the “Slow is smooth, smooth is fast” mantra.
I prefer “Go Slow, Learn Fast.”
What do you think?
I broke my hand in a freak sparring accident. Because kime (“snap” at the end of a technique) wasn’t something I should or could do, for three months focused on movement from the hips. Two days ago I tried full speed in class. My sensei complimented me and said I looked better than ever.
Something got lost in editing, LOL. For three months I did karate at “Tai Chi Speed.”
Thanks for telling me about your experience at slowing down….down to Tai Chi Speed! Fantastic. Is your hand back to 100% yet?
Nope, but the doctor anticipates it will be by March. Right now I go until the hand tells me to stop. My sensei has put a restriction on my sparring, and I don’t yet feel confident in asking him to lift it.