Private lessons... do you take them?

[qi-tah]

Hi all;

Does anyone take private lessons with their teacher(s), and if so, how do you structure that into your training? Eg., how often do you take private lessons, how are they mixed with your regular classes etc.
Or do you only gain instruction through private lessons, and don't attend any regular classes at all? Do you think it is possible to learn that way once you get to a certain level of skill? Do you think that once you reach a certain level, that private lessons are essential? If so, when do you think that is?

Would be interested to hear everyone's opinions and experiences. :asian:

[Drac]

I wish I could afford private lessons...

[stickarts]

Absolutely. I have taken private lessons with various teachers for 20 years. I find the one on one focus important as well as group classes and working with many different people to be important.
You can start with private lessons right away.

[qi-tah]

I wish I could afford private lessons...

Oh, i hear ya! A private lesson with my teacher would cost me $70 Australian... i've begun to think that it would really be useful for me at this stage though. I'm thinking maybe i could afford a couple of privates a year to complement my regular classes and practice... what do ppl think? Would this be enough to see benifits?

On another tack, i'm a mite anxious at the prospect of training one-on-one with my teacher... in class you can hide a bit and not get picked on too much, but taking a private lesson is pretty much asking to get taken apart! http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/images/icons/icon10.gif I know that that will be a *good* thing, it's just... well... a bit scary. http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/images/icons/icon11.gif

I guess too it means that i'll have to take a bit more responsibility for identifying my own weak areas and what i want to work on. Maybe that's the key to private lessons... wanting to own yr own progress to a greater degree?

Any thoughts? Experiences? Advice?

[Drac]

On another tack, i'm a mite anxious at the prospect of training one-on-one with my teacher... in class you can hide a bit and not get picked on too much, but taking a private lesson is pretty much asking to get taken apart! http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/images/icons/icon10.gif I know that that will be a *good* thing, it's just... well... a bit scary. http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/images/icons/icon11.gif

I hear ya..My first Sensei was tough and the drop out rate was scary..I kept coming..One day before the warm ups I looked around and I was the ONLY white belt in class..This type of training I believe was the best kind of training I ever had.. I didn't really get beat on too bad, the mistakes and bad habits that I might have gotten with against another White Belt were never learned against one of these Black belt students..

[terryl965]

Private lesson are great to expand or even to gt tecniques done the right way.

[Rich Parsons]

Hi all;

Does anyone take private lessons with their teacher(s), and if so, how do you structure that into your training? Eg., how often do you take private lessons, how are they mixed with your regular classes etc.
Or do you only gain instruction through private lessons, and don't attend any regular classes at all? Do you think it is possible to learn that way once you get to a certain level of skill? Do you think that once you reach a certain level, that private lessons are essential? If so, when do you think that is?

Would be interested to hear everyone's opinions and experiences. :asian:


I took private lessons from my instructor for over 8 years with an average of one class per week. It was the only way to study with this instructor and I learned lots.

It became a major part of my traning. I still taught classes in another art on other days of the week.

I think Private lessons offer the best way for correction and adjustment in timing and taking the person to the next level. Of course one has to go long enough so it becomes muscle memory.

And yes it can be expensive. It is a passion for me, I do not have many other hobbies that cost lots of money so it was where I choose to spend my money.

Others may have more obligations such as to family.

[Brian R. VanCise]

Rich that is a very good post! http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif

Private lessons are a great way to train and you do get that one on one time and correction of technique that you cannot get in a group class. I encourage everyone to take private lessons in conjunction with their regular group lessons.

[michaeledward]

I haven't had a private lesson with my instructor (the studio owner) in several years (in fact, I think I have paid for some that I never took).

I do, however, take private lessons with my instructor's instructor (Huk), whenever I can.

I have a bit of a mental dilemma about paying for my regular lessons, and then paying extra for private lessons with the same teacher. Maybe I shouldn't. But, I think he should be teaching the same material in the class as he would in the private. The only difference, I think, should be the quantity of material presented. In a class, I may get two or three minutes of private instruction. In a private, obviously, I would be on the receiving end of much more information. But, how much can be assimilated and internalized. I think that martial arts is as much about the process of doing, as it is about the process of accumulating.

So, the regular lessons in Mr. Hogan's studio is about the repetitive process of doing the martial arts instruction he communicated in that two or three minutes.

When I take a private with Mr. Planas, what I am doing, is reviewing things that I have already processed and accumulated. I hope that he sees my activity with a different set of eyes from Mr. Hogan, and can suggest an alteration or correction to the accumulated material.

Maybe I will revisit the idea of taking privates with Mr. Hogan. Maybe.

[Carol]

Generally speaking, I only take privates. I lurk in a class every now and then but because of my schedule I'm usually either working or asleep when class was held.

[Ninjamom]

I take private lessons in my sword art, but I have been studying and practicing the art for four years, and now the person who taught me isn't teaching any more. The nearest Master Instructor is about a 2 1/2 hrs drive away, so I make the trip for private lessons twice a month, and work on the techniques over and over in between.

Yes, it is expensive, but I am learning more, learning finer details, getting my technique 'tweaked' to (hopefully) help me a better teacher, and (also hopefully) getting prepared for my black belt test this fall. In my case, private lessons are the only option for getting where I want to go.

[14 Kempo]

Yes, I do take private lessons. OK, semi-private lessons. The lessons are with as many as three others of comparable rank. Where I train, private lessons are a more intense training session when it comes to techniques and forms. They are a place to get all those questions answered.

[IWishToLearn]

I take them as often as possible. :)

[IcemanSK]

I don't only because I live on the opposite coast from my instructor. The closest I get is training with a sister school. I wish I could, tho. It's a great way to not only learn in a one-on-one session, but also a way to give you renew enthuiasm for training.

[Skip Cooper]

I wish I had the time to take private lessons. With a 40+ hour work week, family obligations and training 3x's per week, I have little time for anything else. And that doesn't include the strength training and conditioning that I do in on my days off of MA training. But when the kids are grown and gone (in about 15 years, I hope ;)) I will have more time in my schedule to add private lessons...that is until the grandkids come along :)!

[MJS]

Hi all;

Does anyone take private lessons with their teacher(s), and if so, how do you structure that into your training? Eg., how often do you take private lessons, how are they mixed with your regular classes etc.
Or do you only gain instruction through private lessons, and don't attend any regular classes at all? Do you think it is possible to learn that way once you get to a certain level of skill? Do you think that once you reach a certain level, that private lessons are essential? If so, when do you think that is?

Would be interested to hear everyone's opinions and experiences. :asian:

I take a 1hr. private with my instructor each week, in addition to group class. I did this for 2 reasons: 1) even though I stayed with the Kenpo system, I changed styles, EPAK to Tracy, so while the material is very similar, I wanted the chance to be able to work 1 on 1 and 2) a private lesson allows you to work specific things, again, 1 on 1 and outside of the regular class.

As for how its structured: I tell him what I'd like to work on, and he puts the lesson together. Lately, we've focused alot on sparring. The focus is more on boxing rather than the traditional method of sparring. As always, he tells me that the lesson time in mine, so anything that I want to work on is what we'll do. I came in one day and wanted to focus on forms, so thats what we did. :)

Can you learn just from privates: Sure. :)

Are they essential: IMHO, yes. I think they're a benefit to anyone, regardless of rank.

Mike

[BudoTiger]

private lessons were included at my former school. it is a HUGE benefit to me, not only because you do get the one on one time, but you get to work on technique more. i would esp suggest them if it is your first art and have no knowledge of martial arts. i loved the privates. we generally had partners to work with. in mine there were 4 of us that were jr instructors that all worked together. we loved them. thats probably the biggest thing i will miss now that i cant afford to go there anymore. the place i will be going soon i am pretty sure he offers priovates, but they are a little extra which i dont think i would have a prob paying for as long as they are not outrageous since his group classes are pretty inexpensive.

[Kacey]

My instructor is happy to find extra time to work with anyone who asks for additional help - sometimes this is one-on-one; sometimes it's a small group of people who need to work on the same material - it all depends on the time he has available, and how it matches the time students who want extra help have available.

[Hawke]

Greetings Megan,

If you keep a MA journal go over your notes and see where you have trouble. Do you need more help in forms, techniques, footwork, speed, power, focus hits, or sparring? Then ask your instructor to go over a few of those materials where you could use some pointers and include one area where you feel very comfortable. So if you need help on some techniques and power, but excel in speed and footwork then have your private center around those areas. Pick the areas you need help in, but include one aspect you feel very comfortable so that you take you further.

The other option is to ask your instructor which area you need the most help and just go over that.

If you can afford the lessons, privates are a nice supplement to your training. Also you can get a DVD (or YouTube) the same art you are studying for more insight to your training.

Cheers.:asian:

[Emptyhand]

I take private lessons and I am glad I do. I get direct attention to my form. Anytime I make a mistake I can/am corrected. As a white belt I value this direct feedback.

I take private lessons for an hour to hour and 15 mins. 2X a week. If there is a day that my instructor has free and schedules permit I might try and coax him into an hour of instruction beyond the 2X a week.

My work schedule is often difficult to work around so the private instruction is a great benefit and my instructor's availability helps too.

If I were not taking private lessons I would like most I think, prefer to be in a semi-private setting.

I think without a doubt there is a great value in private instruction if you have the opportunity to take it and of course have the funds. However, at the same time, it is great to meet lots of new people when you are in a bigger class and you might find someone to work out with and practice when out of class.

[bookworm_cn317]

Hi all;

Does anyone take private lessons with their teacher(s), and if so, how do you structure that into your training? Eg., how often do you take private lessons, how are they mixed with your regular classes etc.
Or do you only gain instruction through private lessons, and don't attend any regular classes at all? Do you think it is possible to learn that way once you get to a certain level of skill? Do you think that once you reach a certain level, that private lessons are essential? If so, when do you think that is?

Would be interested to hear everyone's opinions and experiences. :asian:

Well, starting in July, I'll be taking private lessons-- only 1-2x a month, though. Just one-on-one instruction will REALLY help me.

[jdinca]

You betcha. One of the advantages of being an instructor at my school is that I get an hour private lesson once a week with my teacher. I find them to be invaluable. What we train on is what she thinks I need to work on.

Every student receives a certain number of private lessons. They're an extremely important aspect of training.

[qi-tah]

Wow, that's extremely interesting. Sounds like a lot of ppl have private lessons built into their class fees for the term (or whatever block of lessons you pay for). We have to pay extra for any privates we take, and it's a significant amount as well. As someone on a low income, i can't afford to shell out for them more than once every 6 months at the moment. I would love to take one one a fortnight, that sounds ideal!

Also, i've never heard of any of our beginners taking private lessons, it seems to be mainly the senior students and instructors. But it looks as though many beginners here take private instruction and find it useful...

[K' Evans]

I take private lessons abt twice a month, and I have also found it beneficial for my progress. It also gives my instructor an opportunity to focus on me and pick up anything he may not spot during class. In addition, I get to focus on any of my personal deficiencies (i.e. timing, speed training) which we may not do in class.

Do I think private lessons are worth it? Well, it certainly depends on what you are looking to get out of it. For myself, it is really a chance for me to go deeper into the art, to learn more technical nuances, and also push my progress farther. Very few of my classmates take up privates, but they can still perform very well because they have been training longer than me or just as well. I also usually invite my classmates to attend private lessons with me but the cost of the fees is an issue, so I understand that people have to take that into consideration.

In regards as to whether beginners should take up private lessons, there's no righr or wrong answer. Personally, I wouldn't. I like training in classes because I get to interact with other students, observe other beginners and also learn from senior students who can give helpful advice since they have been in your shoes before. Also, while there's nothing wrong with learning privately with the instructor, you also want to get a chance to spar with students of your own level. I did start taking up private lessons considerately quick (less than a year since I started), but it was because I had to be comfortable with my instructor's teaching methods and I could also, more or less, discern what I needed to improve on.

Right now, I am quite happy with the current arrangement, and unless my income improves substantially, twice a month supplemented with class lessons is a good fit for my lifestyle. Don't forget you do want to have some time to train on your own so that you can assess your own progress.

[chinto01]

To our instructors out there how much do you charge for a private lesson? To the people taking private lessons what is your rate?

In the spirit of bushido!

Rob

[Xue Sheng]

There is no other choice with my Sanda sifu.

[Kacey]

To our instructors out there how much do you charge for a private lesson? To the people taking private lessons what is your rate?

I don't charge - if someone is sufficiently motivated to want extra time, I will find a time that works for both of us; the only thing that I may ask is that it will likely be at my house, either in the basement or the park across the street, or, if there's room, at the Y where I teach - but it depends on who's asking, and why.

I should add, however, that I teach TKD part-time, as an addition to my career (school teacher) and I certainly understand anyone who teaches MA as their primary career charging for private lessons.

[Brother John]

I personally think that taking private lessons, along with Regular class attendance, is what separates those who achieve the most from those who WOULD have. So long as the instructor(s) hasn't placed the cost of the private lessons far out of reach for the average student....because I've seen some instructors who priced themselves OUT of private students.

but IF you can get them and can afford them, take them as often as you are able! They SHOULD (if the instructor is worth their salt) help you progress VERY well!

Your Brother
John

[Flying Crane]

Much of what I have learned from my kung fu sifu over the last 9 years or so has been thru private lessons. He teaches an open class of tai chi for all comers. I am part of that class, and even have helped teach aspects of it for about a year or so. But I was always interested in the other things that he knows, but doesn't teach in a regular session. So after the regular class, he gives me private instruction in pretty much anything else that he knows that I am interested. It's how I have learned all of my white crane and the other external stuff, and even much of the tai chi that I know. For me, it has been tremendously beneficial, but it also means that since I am the only one learning much of this stuff, I have to be very self-motivated to practice it and actual training partners for much of it are scarce. It's just the way it is, but it works for me.

[Blindside]

To our instructors out there how much do you charge for a private lesson? To the people taking private lessons what is your rate?

In the spirit of bushido!

Rob

$20/half hour.

But with our current instructor to student ratio, the need for privates is pretty low. Plus we have a weekend open class where we've got black belts hanging around to instruct, since not many people make that Saturday class, its like a free private lesson.

Almost all of my kali training is through private lessons, because I travel several hours to get to my instructor and I'm now past the experience level of most the group classes, so private lessons let me focus on what I need. My main training partner and I actually share these lessons so that we can go back and compare our different perspectives on the material. We also film these lessons for future reference.

Lamont

[Ninjamom]

$20/half hour.WOW!

My sword art Instructor charges $80/hr, but is only charging me $70/hr as a favor to my regular instructor. However, he is a registered Master Instructor with the world governing body for the art, with 30+ years MA experience.

[Lynne]

I can't afford private lessons...not sure they are offered at our school.

I am thinking about joining Black Belt Club because I'd be able to attend classes more than 2X a week - I could go often as I like. Worried about the finanical commitment. It's a 3-1/2 year contract.

[Xue Sheng]

WOW!

My sword art Instructor charges $80/hr, but is only charging me $70/hr as a favor to my regular instructor. However, he is a registered Master Instructor with the world governing body for the art, with 30+ years MA experience.

My first sifu, from what I now hear, charges $80 per hour but I have not trained with him for years, and when I did private lessons with him they were $20/hour.

My taiji sifu gives me private lessons after class at no extra charge and based on what I am reading here it is probably best I do not say what my Sanda sifu charges.

[Rich Parsons]

To our instructors out there how much do you charge for a private lesson? To the people taking private lessons what is your rate?

In the spirit of bushido!

Rob

Right now I only have students of my Instructor who suffered a stroke. I charge them a lot less for an hour. I do this out of respect so they can continue their instruction.

When / If I pick up new students I am not sure what to charge as I have not yet set my fee.

[tshadowchaser]

I may be in a different situation than most it seems. When I visit with my friends or go to a summer camp I usually end up getting private or semi-private lessons. I never have to pay for these lessons as they are given in the name of friendship and learning. And yes I am learning the systems that these people instruct a little at a time through my association with these people and their students.
Now I know the topic was stated with the intent that the person answering would be a full time student of that system and I fall outside of that realm a little as I am a student of the arts no matter what they are and study with all who will impart and give their knowledge
The fact that most of those I get these lessons from are masters and 1 grandmaster makes me appreciate their willingness to instruct me with out my paying cash

[jdinca]

I can't afford private lessons...not sure they are offered at our school.

I am thinking about joining Black Belt Club because I'd be able to attend classes more than 2X a week - I could go often as I like. Worried about the finanical commitment. It's a 3-1/2 year contract.

Seeing "Black Belt Club" made me cringe a little bit. I don't know anything about your school but in this neck of the woods, "Black Belt Club" is synonomous with McDojo. I'd be careful about joining.

[Kacey]

I can't afford private lessons...not sure they are offered at our school.

I am thinking about joining Black Belt Club because I'd be able to attend classes more than 2X a week - I could go often as I like. Worried about the finanical commitment. It's a 3-1/2 year contract.

As an instructor, my job is to teach all students as much as they can learn - not differentiate by how much they pay or what group they belong to. All of my students are black belts in training, and all of them receive the same instruction - and if any of them want extra help, they have only to ask. Now, as I've said other places, I understand instructors who are earning their primary living from instruction charging for private instruction; I teach TKD as my second job, which is a somewhat different situation from a school owner who lives on what the school generates.

If you are concerned about the time commitment of the BB Club contract - then don't do it. Things happen, people change, and that's a hell of a long time to sign a contract for if you're not sure you want to commit to it. If you want extra practice, find a partner and practice at home, in a park, at a recreation center - anywhere you can find the space - but don't sign a contract that long (especially if there's not an easy cancellation clause - and I'd show it to a lawyer specializing in contract law before you sign anything) just to get extra classes - because the classes you're taking should be enough if you train outside of class too, and if they're not, if you can't reach your goal without paying extra - that's a warning flag of potential problems. I'm not saying that there is a definite problem - but I'd look around carefully at other dojangs and what their fee structure is - including the number of classes and the cost/class breakdown - before making any long-term commitments.