Learning to Fight! Conversations in Combat Skill

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In this 5th episode I talk with Michigan State University's Coordinator of Sports Coaching and Leadership, Andy Driska PhD.

Andy talks about different kinds of feedback, what is effective and what's not, and bridging some of the gaps between the Sports Science academics and the day to day sports coaches and practitioners.

Andy is able to do so as both an academic/researcher/educator and long time coach of swimmers and water polo teams.

As in previous episodes we discuss the challenge of balancing effective practice and risk/injury mitigation.

Andy can be reached at https://twitter.com/andydriska and I very much hope he will be a returning guest on the Primal MMA coaching Podcast.

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In this fourth episode, I talk with Jeff 'Jackie' Chan. Jeff is the creator of the hugely popular MMA Shredded YouTube channel.  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt1ZR07apYANZ3MmlbipIXg and a professional fighter currently signed to ONE FC.

Jeff's training videos and tutorials differ from most typical coaching videos in that he demonstrates the skills in live and authentic situations. 

In the podcast we discuss the evolution of MMA Shredded and Jeff's training history. We also discuss the importance of sparring, authentic training methods and balancing the sparring volume with intensity to mitigate risk.

Jeff has traveled the world training at some of the best MMA gyms. He talks about his experiences and how his own training has evolved over time.

We also talk about the differences between training for skill and training for technique and finding the balance between both to optimize the practice experience.

I have written about Jeff and his training methods before and how I think they epitomize many of the effective principles of learning and development which science supports. https://www.primalmke.com/post/youtube-coaching-why-i-m-jeff-chan-s-fan-boy 
Jeff was fantastic guest to have on the Podcast so early. Enjoy.

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In this third episode, we talk with Will Massey. Will is a Sports Psychologist, educator, coach, and practicing martial artist.

Will and I discuss the motivations of Martial Artists, how to foster sustained motivation and participation. We also talk about the types of athletes and students that step onto the mats.

Will is able to pair an academic and theoretical perspective with a practical understanding as both a student and coach of the sport. 

This valuable discussion given retention, motivation and participation involve creating a positive and engaging psychological training environment.

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In this second episode, we talk with Irish TKD coach Richie Forde. Richie is a former World Level competitive TKD competitor, coach, and the creator of a tremendous amount of content for the 'The TKD coach academy'. 

Richie and I discuss our perspectives on effective training and coaching and our embracing of the live, chaotic, and authentic training environment.

Richie is a very progressive and forward-thinking boxing coach from Ireland and with his collaborators, is working hard to change training attitudes and approaches on the national TKD scene. 

A valuable discussion for any combat sports coaches who find themselves questioning some of the conventional wisdom and traditional training methods in martial arts. 

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In this first episode, we talk with Boxing coach Adam Haniver. Adam is a former competitive boxer, coach, educator, and host of his own coaching podcast, 'The boxing coach podcast'. 

Adam and I discuss our similar journeys into coaching and our embracing of the a non-linear and constraints-led approach to coaching boxing and mixed martial arts.

Adam is a very progressive and forward-thinking boxing coach from the UK and is constantly questioning and pushing back against the conventional wisdom and traditions of British Boxing coaching and training. 

A valuable discussion for any combat sports coaches who find themselves asking the same question. Can we do it better?