Private lesson videos can tremendously aid your martial development if you have the instructor’s permission. Below, I discuss how to watch private lesson videos based on my experiences.

Those who practice martial arts have different preferences regarding retaining material from a private lesson.

Some prefer to take copious notes, complete with diagrams and drawings. I have seen some take incredible notes and have gone through multiple journals. Others prefer to jot down the significant points of a session afterward.

Some, like myself, like to have sessions recorded on video if possible. I’m not much of a note-taker and am even worse at drawing. Perhaps due to my severe hearing loss, I have always considered myself a visual learner. Hence, video is right up my alley!

First, always ask the instructor for permission to record the private lesson.

Some may agree, and others may not.

If an instructor does not consent to the recorded session, there is an easy workaround. Grab two friends post-session and have one record of you doing techniques you learned during the private lesson. The only caveat is that you may not remember the techniques correctly. However, I’ve done this many times, which has been quite helpful.

That said. I recommend that you do the following:

(1) Obtain the instructor’s permission. They may agree. They may stipulate that you may not show the videos to anyone. Keep your word.

(2) Be sure that the camera has sufficient battery power.

(3) Set it up on a tripod or stable surface. In the alternative, have a friend or a bystander video the session.

(4) If it’s possible, take a break here and there to check on the camera.

After the private lesson, you have several options.

You can watch the entire raw video and rewind it as appropriate.

I prefer to edit the video on iMovie on my MacBook and break it up into 2—to 3-minute clips focusing on particular techniques. I usually discard clips containing familiar techniques and prefer to study those with variations of techniques I had not seen or considered before.

Furthermore, I like to edit out the sound to focus on the entire technique. Furthermore, I like to edit the clip in slow motion speed to enhance the learning experience, at least for me. Lastly, I want to store the clips in iTunes or Google Drive for easy access, and from there, I can upload them to my iPhone to watch any time. Lastly, if they are GOLD to you, make sure that you back them up. I prefer to back them up on an external hard drive.

Screenshot from a video of a training session I had with Master Chuck Gauss.

What do I look for in these kinds of videos?

Note: I have saved most of the video clips, which are usually on Modern Arnis, particularly Tapi Tapi.

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Yes, there is an element of technique collection, but I usually look at how they fit in the big picture. Beyond that, I typically look for the following:

(1) Observe your body positioning vs. your instructor’s – Am I standing before my instructor? Did he manipulate into a disadvantageous position? How? The video may give you clues.

(2) Compare your structure with the instructor’s – are you crossing the center line? What is your stance at any given time? How about the instructor? Compare your structure to his, and you might glean new insights.

(3) Watch your instructor’s techniques: Go beyond learning new techniques. See how the instructor utilizes footwork, timing, rhythm, and his check hand.

Watch for the pre-technique setup, the technique, and the post-technique finishing move. 

(4) Watch your techniques: Frequently, an instructor will ask you to practice a technique you just learned. Compare your execution vs. his/her execution. How are your structure, execution, and timing?  Are you using your check hand?

If you view a video of yourself in a private lesson, focus on a technique or two and practice with a friend or a training partner.

A one-hour private lesson can provide you with substantial material to practice for quite a while. I still view myself and Master Chuck’s clips to see if I can glean anything I’ve missed in past viewings. Do I sound like a football coach in the film room? You bet!

Private lesson videos can take a fair bit of work and dedication. Make sure that this is up your alley.

Over to you, how do you watch or analyze videos of private lessons that you’ve had with an instructor? Let’s hear about your experiences!

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