Today in grappling class we went over two basic guard passes – the double over and the baseball slide. The double over I feel pretty comfortable with. The baseball slide, less so.
While it might seem odd to teach something you’re not good at – I find it to be incredibly beneficial. As I am demonstrating and explaining the technique, I am forced to find where my understanding is weak. As students ask questions, I am exposed to the gaps that exist in my knowledge. I take these faults, see what I can fix myself and see what questions I have to go back and ask my teachers.
Pushing at the margins of your competence is one of the best ways to continue to be a student. Do it when you teach. Like everything else, it can be risky. If you get lost, don’t be afraid to bail out and teach something you have a better grasp on. If a student helps you fill in the gaps in your knowledge, thank them. Keep learning.