High or Low Energy Private Lessons

Whether I teach a high or low energy private lesson depends on the client’s energy level.

One of my clients (Rosh) drove this point home during our lesson last week. He had gone to bed early the night before exhausted and admitted that he had a long sleep. As a result, he woke up energized.

Oh yes, did I mention that he was a world-class gymnast and competed when he was younger? Anyway, he was fired up and full of energy. I took advantage of this and taught a high-octane private lesson that he thoroughly enjoyed! I assume he was exhausted from teaching various classes at his gymnastics academy, stunt work, and printing t-shirts and other apparel.

Housekeeping Matter

Today, I learned that subscribers to this blog have not been able to access my most recent post. I tested the issue in Incognito Mode on the Chrome browser and found that I could not access the post. I have contacted the support staff at Jetpack/WordPress for the resolution of this matter. In the meantime, I have changed the settings to the post to “Public.” Go check out Video of the Week 10: Pushing/Tulak.

Back to the topic of high and low energy private lessons

After that lesson, I told Rosh I had adjusted my approach to private clients. In the early years, I often tried to push clients out of their low-energy funk, but that was unproductive.

No, I didn’t use the R Lee Ermey approach!

If you are not able to view this video, go here.

I often counted on my flow drills to energize them. Sometimes, it worked. Often, it did not. Over time, I learned to adjust the energy level of the session for the client. Many have jobs and are often tired at the end of the day. Sometimes, they would arrive for a session with job-related frustrations and pent-up energy. That called for a high octane workout.

An example of such a workout is below. Dref was in the mood to free play. So we did.

On the other hand, I’ve had clients come in with low energy. That calls for a slower-paced session emphasizing footwork, structure, and details.

Just today, one of my high energy clients arrived for his lesson looking worn out. He is a gung-ho student in his early 50s. He confirmed at the beginning of the lesson that his energy level wasn’t the greatest. I changed my lesson plan to cover the first two flow drills slowly. He also requested that I teach him some solo drills. I honoured his request by teaching him to focus on the angles of attack while performing various sinawali drills. The solo version of the first two flow drills was covered as well. I don’t doubt that he will practice those solo drills.

Ditto for a young man who just finished his first year of college. The poor guy was worn out from his final exams.

Like my other client, I adjusted the energy level of the lesson, focusing on a mixture of fundamentals and free play. In short, it was a lesson where he didn’t have to overthink.

I have applied this philosophy to my workouts. I usually have abundant energy when I go to the local gym. However, it usually starts to wane near the end of each eight-week block, like right now.

My last break was the week of the Houston Modern Arnis camp in February. Soon, my wife and I are leaving for a vacation. As a result, I adjusted the eight-week block to nine weeks, and I’m feeling it now. I’ve adjusted my workouts to account for my flagging energy in the past week. My last workout is scheduled for Friday, and I’m looking forward to the break!

Figuring out the next break will be tricky. 13 weeks will elapse from the end of our vacation to the annual cottage week in mid-August. Should I go full blast for 13 weeks? Or schedule a mini break halfway through? What do you think?

Decisions! Decisions!

Before you venture into the wild jungle of the Internet, might I persuade you to fuel my caffeine addiction ☕️. Your kindness could be the very thing that keeps the keyboard clacking and the ideas flowing!

I need your help defraying the increasing expenses of the blog/website. I’ll recognize you for your contribution. 😉

A huge thank you in advance!