Online Training

[rayfloro]

Greetings All,

I have been considering offering FFS lessons on line.

I don’t know what to think about how that should work, but I believe that it is a thing of the future, and I would like to be able to do it in a way that doesn’t fall into the category of “shonkey or phoney” internet Instructors handing out bogus grades.

I think I would be very interested to ask you guys how you think this could best be done so that for someone that is never going to be able to come to training with me on a regular basis, would be able to get training that is valid and worthwhile.

Do you think that offering training online is valid method of teaching people a Martial Art?

[Guest]

Fully support Mike’s views.

I think supporting people in the concepts and strategies of FMA online could be a very good proposition, but as Mike says only if it supplements physical training. I know some instructors who fly students in to offer Intensive Personal Training Programs, and then to continue the guidance and theory they support them with online training, password protected, for a fee. I think the combination of the two is a very good proposition Ray, and a good supplement to your income.

In terms of online training as a standalone? I do believe there are certain martial arts that can be supported, perhaps even taught to a good level, online. I have to be honest, if I made a list then FMA would probably be near the bottom. I am an advocate of the theory in FMA that technique without the reflex to use it is worthless. I guess you would need to consider that barrier in this proposal.

[FoolsTP]

i agree with both of you but isn't that what disclaimers are for? online definitely shouldn't be the only way you learn something but i think it's a good idea because even if someone doesn't want to travel to train with you and they are training somewhere local to them in fma, if they like what you are doing they might just pay for your online stuff to add to their training. and if people are already your students in person, it might be a way to train when they are out of town or in a hotel room or something. i don't know. good luck if you try to do it

[johnzag]

I think the guys have summed it up .. Online material can be great as a backup or reference point. I don't think that it can be the sole or significant impetus of your training.
Second that with the lack of control in who is being taught and it becomes a haven for miss use and miss understanding!