In the world of sports and martial arts, coaches are often seen as the ultimate authority on training and performance. They bring experience, knowledge, and passion to their roles, guiding athletes to achieve their best. However, even the most skilled and dedicated coaches can make mistakes or offer advice that may not always be accurate or suitable. Here’s a closer look at why your coach might be wrong and how to navigate these situations.
1. Limited Perspective
Coaching methods and philosophies are often shaped by a coach’s personal experiences and training background. While their approach may have been effective for them or their previous students, it might not be universally applicable. Coaches can have a narrow perspective based on their own experiences, which might not always align with the latest advancements in the field or suit every individual’s needs.
When you are at the bottom of a mountain you can only really see one way to the top, but when you get to the top you’ll look down and around the mountain and you’ll start to see many ways to the top that you couldn’t see from the bottom.
Find a coach that still has a coach or mentor. You can still disagree with things but ultimately having a coach that’s pliable and willing to change up their thinking if the new information has merit even if it bruised their ego is key to a flourishing journey in martial arts.
2. Outdated Techniques
Sports and martial arts are continually evolving. New techniques, strategies, and understandings emerge regularly, challenging established norms. A coach who hasn’t kept up with the latest developments may rely on outdated methods that are no longer considered best practices. It’s crucial to stay informed about new trends and research in your discipline to ensure you’re receiving the most current guidance.
When I first took over the club I had been training in traditional martial arts for about 17 years and there was a technique called the “jumping center toe snap kick”.
“What was this used for?“ I asked “It was used to knock riders off their horses.” My instructor told me.
A technique we still practiced in the name of tradition and not losing the “old ways”
When I first took over the club that was one of the first things I changed, it is a very very effective fake to a head kick, but you don’t have to go as high as a “rider on their horse and you don’t have to land on your hands and feet in a crouching position. Which leaves you vulnerable to someone with any semblance of a ground game, weird for todays training regime.
Find a coach that’s willing to upset the balance between the old ways and the new ways and find ways that work in the here and now.
3. Biases and Preferences
Like anyone, coaches have their own biases and preferences, which can influence their recommendations. A coach might favor certain techniques or training methods based on their personal success or comfort level. While these preferences might work well for some students, they may not be the best fit for everyone. It’s important to consider whether their approach aligns with your personal goals and needs.
In traditional martial arts, 9th degree was is the highest black belt one could achieve, 10th being reserved for people that invented their own style.
I always thought that was cool, which to me is what the martial arts was always about, “the art of warfare”!
It’s your own personal artistic expression of how you choose to defend yourself. Kickers, grapplers, throwers. Etc not all of it is everyone’s cup of tea,
However, you have to be very careful with this mindset because there are things that I can make work due to my size, strength, mindset, durability etc. that wouldn’t work for somebody else, so if I take the “best techniques” that I deem the best, I could be severely limiting someone else under my tutelage that doesn’t have my attributes.
Coaches are merely guides, they’ve been somewhere where you wanna go, that’s it. They are there to help you on your journey, not do it for you.
4. Miscommunication
Effective communication is key to successful coaching, but misunderstandings can occur. What a coach intends to convey might not always be clearly understood by the athlete. This can lead to misinterpretations of advice or feedback. It’s important to ask questions and seek clarification if you’re unsure about something or if the guidance doesn’t seem to be working.
How many times have you practiced something just to go back to the video or notes and find that you were missing a part of it? Sometimes that happens to us coaches as well.
Find a coach that’s humble.
5. Individual Differences
Every athlete is unique, with different strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. A coaching approach that works for one person might not be as effective for another. Coaches might sometimes overlook individual differences, leading to advice that doesn’t fully address your specific needs or challenges. Open communication about your personal goals and experiences can help tailor the training to be more effective for you.
Not everyone can kick to the head, or wants to be on the ground or should be on the ground as a grappler, and not everyone should be breaking somebody’s face.
This doesn’t mean they can’t learn to defend themselves in other ways.
Navigating Coaching Challenges
While it’s important to acknowledge that coaches can make mistakes, it doesn’t mean you should disregard their advice entirely or even most of it. Instead, use these insights to approach coaching with a critical yet open mind. Here are some tips for navigating potential pitfalls:
Seek Multiple Opinions: Don’t hesitate to seek advice from other experienced practitioners or coaches. Getting different perspectives can provide a more rounded view of your training and development.
Stay Informed: Educate yourself about the latest techniques and trends in your sport or martial art. This knowledge can help you critically assess the advice you receive.
Communicate Openly: Discuss any concerns or misunderstandings with your coach. Clear communication can help address issues and ensure you’re on the same page.
Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn’t feel right or isn’t working for you, trust your instincts and seek alternatives. Your well-being and progress should always be the top priority.
In conclusion, while coaches play a crucial role in guiding and developing athletes, it’s important to recognize that they are not infallible. By understanding the potential reasons why a coach might be wrong and taking proactive steps to address these issues, you can ensure that your training remains effective, safe, and aligned with your personal goals.
