Teaching vs. Conditioning... what makes a great class?

Out_of_Bubblegum

When you are in class:

Do you prefer a hard core workout, where you leave class by crawling back to your car and wondering if you will leave sweat stains on the seat, and pondering just how bad the DOMS will be the next day?

or do you prefer to spend your time in class learning the finer points of technique, patterns, power generation, etc - and keep the conditioning exercises in the gym?

Soy_K

ideally both! one of my classes is more or less the same each time - conditioning warmup - splits stretching, bridge stretching - basic kicks - forms then post class conditioning drill. the coach always says to never save your energy during the conditioning and basics and to let yourself get exhausted putting out 100% because that's the only way you will get stronger more quickly. and w/o being able to do these things, you can't learn the more advanced forms. by the time we have to do the after class conditioning drill (actually by the last round of forms) i'm exhausted and my legs feel like they're going to give out! granted i've only been doing these classes for about a year. i keep wondering if there's ever a point where your muscles are like -yeah i'm strong enough- not going to be sore anymore. but if there is- i'm way far away from this point! epsom salt baths for me after every class!

Brabo_Grip

I agree with Soy K - I want both. I prefer 1-2 techniques (max of 3) with good amount drilling of those for half a class - then conditioning whether that be done heavier sparring or some form a art related conditioning excercises.

bingo_007

We usually do both. A lot of cardio and technique. Either general technique training for all or you try n work on your own technique depending on feedback from from the trainer during padwork and sparring

Dory_42

We have both in most classes, conditioning warm up, then technique then live rolling or line drills. Occasionally we do an all technique class and the amount of time spent on each section various each class depending on what coach has planned, but it all totals up to 90 minutes. I like the flexibility of our set up and that it meets both needs.

Soy_K

You know, now that I think about it more - I do note that previously in some kung fu classes I used to take, I was often frustrated at not getting a hard enough work out. I think this happens when the teachers are too lax about keeping a good flow during class and allow too much talking or breaks. It was still really fun, but part of my desire to do martial arts is the exercise. Maybe it's part of the reason why I left? At my current wushu class, my shirt is drenched through by the end and I definitely feel like I am getting slowly stronger.

Valsgoals

Both. I don't always get the opportunity to get both, but love it when I do.

Out_of_Bubblegum

Both seems to be the consensus, and I'm in agreement on all counts. To me, it takes both to be successful at martial arts - conditioning and technique, and the conditioning exercises taught in class are (usually) the most appropriate to develop the body to be capable of executing the technique.

I have noticed that some instructors seem to be more in the camp of "I'm here to teach martial arts... the Gym is down the street." - and it's never quite sat well with me.

Valsgoals

bwmalone wrote: »

I have noticed that some instructors seem to be more in the camp of "I'm here to teach martial arts... the Gym is down the street." - and it's never quite sat well with me.

I would think one would need both in order to be good at Martial Arts or any other type of sport. Obviously, the conditioning would be catered to whatever sport your doing. Yeah, that wouldn't sit well with me either.