I've always trained with the mindset that if you want to be prepared for the real thing, practice like it's the real thing (at least in the end).
Here's my reasoning. I see so many kids who have major issues getting anything into a strike, block, hold, or throw (adults as well actually). This disturbs me, because they rank up for "knowing" the material, and that false sense of confidence gets set in, and now they know just enough to get hurt.
If they had been forced to do it right, do it hard, and do it fast to begin with, they would have the right to wear that belt, and the right to feel that confidence in their skill.
It is my responsibility to make sure that they can perform to expectations, and therefore a reflection on me when they get hurt, and their parents want to know why.
This is just my personal philosophy, and it has served me well. I'm not saying that anyone else has to adhere to it. Train the way you want to train, do what you want to do, but if you ever come to my school to train, know that this is how you will train, or be asked to leave.
I'm not a business man, I teach for free, always have, so I don't feel a bit compelled to "retain" students. I feel compelled to properly train students.
Best,
Brian
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