Coaching Official Coaches and Trainers Discussion

Yeah that's extremely Cuban/Russian. Dadi knows the girl in that video too, I forget how.

I'm a patron of hers, she puts out a lot of high quality instructional content - it's been very good in helping me train/teach
 
Its probably like sifu in china. More used on taxi drivers and others.

Our competitive boxers are all involved with a program at our gym called "Fight Factory," which is designed to put boxers in the best position to win fights. It's an hour and a half long, and the majority of the class consist of partner drills similar to what Sin posted above. We've had SO much more success in competition after switching to this formula.

Partner drills are the absolute best. I can manipulate groupings depending on a number of attributes (size, experience, ect). We always pick a daily focus (hip engagement, inside work, counter punching, etc) to ensure we're not just spinning our wheels and going through the motions. There needs to be a purpose to what we're doing.
The first 15-20 minutes of class is dedicated to footwork and warm-ups, the bulk of class is typically partner stuff as mentioned above, and the last 30 minutes is group conditioning with a focus (endurance, explosiveness, etc).

Boxers weigh in at the start of each class as well. Not only does this ensure that the boxers stay on weight, but it also holds them accountable as a form of attendance. The weights are logged into an excel spreadsheet which is broken down into months.

I'll do my best to take some video of the class when I can to give you an idea of what it looks like.

I'll update the thread tomorrow with my second business tip.

I've been doing my best to study the cuban and ussr boxing fundamentals and incorporate their mechanics into muay thai - I don't know if its because its making think more solidly about the fundamentals - but I find that those particular styles go really well with the Thai style. Maybe because Thai style boxing (as in western boxing) has similar values.

I've been to world class gyms and seen world champion fighters working in this similar way. sparring starts with glove drills with different answers and responses to jabs, low kicks, teeps, etc. then those grow to combinations. then sparring starts in the same way- just the jab. then add the lead leg. then the rear leg. finally the rear hand. then it opens up, grab a partner and get to work. switch partners on the bell. somewhere between play sparring and hard sparring, that middle ground where you work technically while being kept accountable. you're not afraid to try things but you'll know if it doesnt work. more and more I've been adding these things to the mix at the gym I'm working at.

 
I've been to world class gyms and seen world champion fighters working in this similar way. sparring starts with glove drills with different answers and responses to jabs, low kicks, teeps, etc. then those grow to combinations. then sparring starts in the same way- just the jab. then add the lead leg. then the rear leg. finally the rear hand. then it opens up, grab a partner and get to work. switch partners on the bell. somewhere between play sparring and hard sparring, that middle ground where you work technically while being kept accountable. you're not afraid to try things but you'll know if it doesnt work. more and more I've been adding these things to the mix at the gym I'm working at.


Makes sense, really drilling ends up being more closer to sparring and the real thing when done right. Pads are nice, but there's too much reliance on the padholder to make it work; Not to mention that the bulky mass of pads skew things, getting used to hitting with that in the way will mess with the sense of distance. Overall I prefer drilling over pads most of the time.
 
Makes sense, really drilling ends up being more closer to sparring and the real thing when done right. Pads are nice, but there's too much reliance on the padholder to make it work; Not to mention that the bulky mass of pads skew things, getting used to hitting with that in the way will mess with the sense of distance. Overall I prefer drilling over pads most of the time.

pad holding in and of itself is another bag of bricks. there's the right way and the wrong way to do it, but more importantly there is the right reason and wrong reason to do it. most pad holders I see these days have one or both of those things wrong.
 
I've been to world class gyms and seen world champion fighters working in this similar way. sparring starts with glove drills with different answers and responses to jabs, low kicks, teeps, etc. then those grow to combinations. then sparring starts in the same way- just the jab. then add the lead leg. then the rear leg. finally the rear hand. then it opens up, grab a partner and get to work. switch partners on the bell. somewhere between play sparring and hard sparring, that middle ground where you work technically while being kept accountable. you're not afraid to try things but you'll know if it doesnt work. more and more I've been adding these things to the mix at the gym I'm working at.


Man I love Andy Souwer.
 
Also with partners drill, both guys work at the same time. Attack and defense. When you hold pads you don't really work anything, just maybe your eyes to recognize attacks coming.

In TKD, pads drills are more about speed and reflexes, not so much about proper technique or combos. Those are worked with partners drills, whereas in MT, they are worked on the pads/paos.
 
Also with partners drill, both guys work at the same time. Attack and defense. When you hold pads you don't really work anything, just maybe your eyes to recognize attacks coming.

In TKD, pads drills are more about speed and reflexes, not so much about proper technique or combos. Those are worked with partners drills, whereas in MT, they are worked on the pads/paos.

I think pad holding should be left to the coaches. Partner drills are a great replacement, and can also be more interactive. I think pads, partner drills, clinching, sparring is the way to go for interactive stuff. Bag work and all the other stuff for repetion and conditoining
 
I think pad holding should be left to the coaches. Partner drills are a great replacement, and can also be more interactive. I think pads, partner drills, clinching, sparring is the way to go for interactive stuff. Bag work and all the other stuff for repetion and conditoining

The main problem with mitt-work in boxing, I find, is that the fighter can only function at mitt-distance. Meaning if you're not right where they want you, they are confused. That and their eyes don't get trained to opponent changes of position. In other words they get used to hitting a thing they're supposed to land on. The drills teach you to change distances and keep going if you miss, or get turned, or get an angle.
 
The main problem with mitt-work in boxing, I find, is that the fighter can only function at mitt-distance. Meaning if you're not right where they want you, they are confused. That and their eyes don't get trained to opponent changes of position. In other words they get used to hitting a thing they're supposed to land on. The drills teach you to change distances and keep going if you miss, or get turned, or get an angle.

yeah i agree with drills being beneficial, more so over pads, in MT they call them dutch drills. Its a real big thing with Duane Ludwigs gym, which has caught on and got quite popular everywhere now. MT in the US is decades behind boxing. Ideally I think pads should be involved in training, but if it came down to only being able to do one or the other, i would choose drills over pads as well. Less gym equipment costs as well.
 
hey guys, I am starting to get quite a bit of requests for private lessons. I am wondering what you guys charge for private lessons, if you do them by 30 minute or 1 hour sessions, and what type of discounts you offer for multiple sessions.
 
I've been to world class gyms and seen world champion fighters working in this similar way. sparring starts with glove drills with different answers and responses to jabs, low kicks, teeps, etc. then those grow to combinations. then sparring starts in the same way- just the jab. then add the lead leg. then the rear leg. finally the rear hand. then it opens up, grab a partner and get to work. switch partners on the bell. somewhere between play sparring and hard sparring, that middle ground where you work technically while being kept accountable. you're not afraid to try things but you'll know if it doesnt work. more and more I've been adding these things to the mix at the gym I'm working at.



nice work dude, finally got a chance to watch that clip.
 
hey guys, I am starting to get quite a bit of requests for private lessons. I am wondering what you guys charge for private lessons, if you do them by 30 minute or 1 hour sessions, and what type of discounts you offer for multiple sessions.

There's no real standard for hourly 1 on 1 sessions, you can base it on your availability. For instance, if you have classes and someone is essentially paying you to ignore the class and work with them, well that SHOULD cost enough money that no one in the class can gripe about it. Or if it's in a weird time-slot. I had a visitor from New York today who initially asked for after 2pm tomorrow, well on Tuesdays and Thursdays I have to pick my Son up from school and I have to leave at 2:45. So if I'd have done a 45 minute session for her and had to rush to get him, that's gonna cost extra. Luckily she came in earlier.
 
yeah i agree with drills being beneficial, more so over pads, in MT they call them dutch drills. Its a real big thing with Duane Ludwigs gym, which has caught on and got quite popular everywhere now. MT in the US is decades behind boxing. Ideally I think pads should be involved in training, but if it came down to only being able to do one or the other, i would choose drills over pads as well. Less gym equipment costs as well.
US Muay Thai is way behind, but we’re catching up. The kids team are cleaning up In international competitions thanks to guys like Patrick Rivera and Bryan dobbler
hey guys, I am starting to get quite a bit of requests for private lessons. I am wondering what you guys charge for private lessons, if you do them by 30 minute or 1 hour sessions, and what type of discounts you offer for multiple sessions.
i charge 60 for people going lesson to lesson, sell 4 for 200 and 8 for 350. I’m always 10 minutes early so my clients can warm up and stretch out before we start. When we’re on the clock I try not to waste time stretching and skipping rope but if they’re late I won’t work with them until they’re safely ready to go.

Edit: under my old pricing model I used to do 40/hour for fighters who had a fight coming up that they were matched for, but my prices have gone up since then and I need to figure out how that works now
 
@shincheckin

I don't think a 30min private session is worth it. Maybe if it's right after a training session so the warmup/stretching is already done...
 
@shincheckin

I don't think a 30min private session is worth it. Maybe if it's right after a training session so the warmup/stretching is already done...
Yeah, if it's after the training session and you're working on one specific technique for half an hour, then its beneficial, otherwise, nah
 
The price for private lessons is very likely influenced by your geographic region as well. Where one location can easily support private lessons of $100 an hour, other locals simply can't afford that sort of price. Also, I'll change my personal rates based on how much I enjoy working with the client or group. My base is $100 an hour, but I'll drop to $50, $40, or even free if I really enjoy the person I'm working with.

If it doesn't feel like work, I don't mind treating it as such. Note though that I make money as both a school teacher and as an owner of a good deal of real estate, so I have the luxury of being able to discount my "extra" time. The gym is profitable, but doesn't need to be in order for me to feed my family.

Also, a possible suggestion for this thread:

List the coaches who have checked in and shared their resume/accolades/experiences in the first post of the thread. It would be nice for anyone checking in to see where current coaches work and what their experience level is. Just a short standard format blurb that coaches could fill out. Even further, I would love to know which coaches have had a financial stake in the business (owner or manager) aside from just their own profits.

As the thread gets longer, I see can only assume "casual" coaches, or worse, those with no experience in a coaching role at all will be more comfortable being vocal.

I would love to see this as a resource from coaches for coaches, but would hate to see it watered down by casual fight observers. Though I can appreciate that people who have never been directly involved in the sport can have an eye for things at some level, I wouldn't want to take electrical advice from my plumber if you know what I'm saying.

Not sure if that's unfair, but just my 2 cents.
 
@shincheckin

I don't think a 30min private session is worth it. Maybe if it's right after a training session so the warmup/stretching is already done...

Yeah, if it's after the training session and you're working on one specific technique for half an hour, then its beneficial, otherwise, nah
I don’t do a lot of 30 minute sessions for adults, but it does happen. I’ll get guys on their lunch break and will come in and hit mitts for cardio. Quick and dirty 30 bucks for me. 6-7 rounds, 3 minutes on 1 minute off. A lot of coaches or pad men say that they’re not an exercise bike, but for the right money I’d stand on my hands and sing the national anthem.

The price for private lessons is very likely influenced by your geographic region as well. Where one location can easily support private lessons of $100 an hour, other locals simply can't afford that sort of price. Also, I'll change my personal rates based on how much I enjoy working with the client or group. My base is $100 an hour, but I'll drop to $50, $40, or even free if I really enjoy the person I'm working with.

If it doesn't feel like work, I don't mind treating it as such. Note though that I make money as both a school teacher and as an owner of a good deal of real estate, so I have the luxury of being able to discount my "extra" time. The gym is profitable, but doesn't need to be in order for me to feed my family.

Also, a possible suggestion for this thread:

List the coaches who have checked in and shared their resume/accolades/experiences in the first post of the thread. It would be nice for anyone checking in to see where current coaches work and what their experience level is. Just a short standard format blurb that coaches could fill out. Even further, I would love to know which coaches have had a financial stake in the business (owner or manager) aside from just their own profits.

As the thread gets longer, I see can only assume "casual" coaches, or worse, those with no experience in a coaching role at all will be more comfortable being vocal.

I would love to see this as a resource from coaches for coaches, but would hate to see it watered down by casual fight observers. Though I can appreciate that people who have never been directly involved in the sport can have an eye for things at some level, I wouldn't want to take electrical advice from my plumber if you know what I'm saying.

Not sure if that's unfair, but just my 2 cents.
re: pricing. I Absolutely agree, it’s as much about your market as it is your skill set. I was just talking to a guy in LA about my business model vs. his. He charges waaaaay more because his market will allow it. Portland’s changing a lot and I’m riding the wave of tech money but If I relocated to a small or rural town I would have to reconsider my pricing model significantly.

That’s a good idea about posting a quick thing about each coaches credentials. I’ll work on that this afternoon
 
little throw back to the point on mittwork i know Sinister has made this point several times but i find that a lot of fighters feel like without Mittwork they aren't preparing for a fight properly or the coaches aren't giving them the proper time which for Muay Thai and kickboxing i can see the issue with as Shincheckin said fighters holding for each other is a waste of their money. Boxing however the Pads are more of a confidence building tool and not 100% necessary for a fight (in my opinion). What Mittwork is great for is the 'Boxing for Fitness' market, these are the type of people who dont mind paying 20 quid for a 30 minute session that's pretty much just a cardio workout although again this is just my personal experience.
 
People will disagree, but I definitely like mitt work for my competitive fighters.

An overwhelming amount of our team training revolves around partner drills. When you have two partners who don't have fundamental knowledge of the drills they are doing, then what you have is the blind leading the blind. Practice doesn't make perfect, practice makes permanent.

There are a TON of videos online that show terrible mitt feeders. Cutesy "progressive style" mitt work where the coach slaps at the fighters hands, the fighter turns over zero punches, leaves their head dead center, has terrible posture, etc.

There are nearly as many videos out there of partner drills that also look like absolute dog shit, and it's because the people involved in the drill are not being directed by a coach.

When I feed mitts, I treat it very similar to a partner drill, except I'm the partner and I bring a level of knowledge and experience that can't be matched by a newer fighter. When I feed, I'm focusing on specific skills and techniques, so there is always a clear focus. Regardless of the direct focus, I can also work on things that are adjacent, but not directly worked on in the drill.

For example, if I'm working with a fighter on ranged combinations, I'll also be correcting their distance, their angles (cutting off the ring and not chasing), posture, ensuring they typically circle away from my power, passive head movement and feints, amongst other things. If I have this fighter partnered with a newer member working on ranged combinations, they could certainly do well with that specific focus, but can often lose sight of the rest of the fight game.

To mitigate this, coaches float around during partner drills to micromanage these things. Sharing the ring with a fighter, I often feel like I can explain some of the most subtle of nuances they wouldn't otherwise see.

The most common argument I hear is "Why not just do a partner drill with them then?", and it's valid, but also has it's shortcomings.

I have one guy who is 6'7" and 245 lbs. I'm just under 5'11" and about 160 lbs. I simply can't fully mimic what he would see in an opponent if I did a partner drill. Typically I'll hold paddles instead of mitts to help compensate for the aggressive size disparity.

Another thing that you get to do with pads that you can't always do with partner drills is throw things at full speed and with full power. Partner drills will focus on the defense of slips, rolls, distance, and angles, but our system uses a fair share of catching as well. Zero chance I'm gonna catch body shots at full speed from any of my fighters if I want sneeze without wanting to die the next day.

There are other benefits that I see, but I can respect those who choose not to use them. I can see the argument that are unnecessary, and to that I would say to each their own, but I really struggle when people insist that they "aren't" or "can't" be helpful for fighter development.
 
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