Guard passes

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.