TBF Group Drills: Meant to Challenge, not to Injure

[Don Conrad Uy - Tampa Bay Fencers]

The group sessions may feel like a military drill. The format sort of
demands it. There's a big difference, though. I'm not a Marine drill
sergeant and none of you are grunts. If I am pushing you too hard,
just stop. You know better than I do what your body can or cannot do.
It is a function of a coach to challenge your comfort levels but not
to the point where you are injured. While managing a group session I
may not be aware that you are struggling. Also, I do not wish to
single someone out in that way.

We have a wide variety of fencers in our group. As the instructor, I
am challenged to find the best pedagogical path. Easy paths please
almost all but fail to challenge the advanced students. The difficult
paths cater to the needs of the advanced, but intimidate the less
confident. If I stray too far from your chosen path, that is quite all
right. As your instructor, I would ask you to follow me, but your
fencing destination still remain yours -- it can be on a podium that
indicates 1st place; a stage in front an adoring audience; or a even
the small platform in the bathroom that indicates that you are at your
target weight. All nice places to stand.