The goal of class structure

Structure solves the “random training” problem. Students progress when training is predictable in format and intentional in content.

• Consistency: students know what’s coming and can focus.
• Progression: each block builds the next block.
• Safety: intensity is introduced only after control is shown.
• Feedback: you have time to correct the same errors every week until they improve.

The standard class (60 minutes)

Use the same skeleton every session. Swap the skill focus, not the structure.

1) Opening & expectations (2–3 min)

• Line up, bow, quick attendance.
• Set the rule: “Control first. Quality over speed.”
• State the day’s single focus (one sentence).

2) Warm-up & mobility (8–10 min)

• Joint circles, dynamic leg swings, light footwork.
• Short core activation (plank variations, dead bug, etc.).
• Goal: heat + mobility + readiness, not exhaustion.

3) Fundamentals (15–18 min)

This is where you build the engine: stance, stepping, power timing, guard.

• One stance/transition theme (e.g., “finish stable, no recovery step”).
• One technique family (e.g., middle punch + forearm block).
• One short drill that reinforces the theme.

Pair this with: Stances, Transitions, Power.

4) Patterns (Tul) segment work (12–15 min)

• Teach 3–6 moves at a time (don’t “run the whole tul” first).
• Fix lines, turns, and finish quality.
• Use a 2-second freeze at end positions for quality.

5) Application / partner work (10–12 min)

Application connects patterns to reality. Keep it simple and controlled.

• One drill that matches the pattern segment (distance + angle + timing).
• Control rules: light contact, clear targets, safe exits.
• Progress from compliant → semi-resistant (only if safe).

6) Cool-down & close (2–4 min)

• Breathing reset, light stretch.
• One recap: “Today you improved ____ by doing ____.”
• Bow out, reminders, quick encouragement.

The “one focus per class” rule

The fastest way to improve students is to avoid overload. Every class should have one main focus:

• Example focuses: “knees track feet,” “finish stable,” “relax then snap,” “quiet steps,” “hips initiate.”
• Everything in class points at it: fundamentals, patterns, and partner work.

Students leave feeling progress instead of confusion.

Templates you can reuse

Template A: Foundations day (great for all ranks)

• Focus: stance + transition quality.
• Fundamentals: line stepping + finish holds.
• Patterns: 1 line from current tul.
• Application: distance drill (in/out) + guard reset.

Template B: Patterns day (technical refinement)

• Focus: rhythm + finishing power.
• Fundamentals: relax/snap drill + breath timing.
• Patterns: 2 segments, repeated with 2-second freeze.
• Application: one pattern-based partner drill.

Template C: Sparring day (control gate)

• Focus: distance and timing.
• Fundamentals: footwork patterns + guard discipline.
• Drills: jab-stop / counter timing / angle step.
• Sparring: light rounds with clear rules and goals.

Template D: Testing prep (without turning class into a test)

• Focus: clean basics under light pressure.
• Stations: basics / pattern segment / terminology / sparring drill.
• Goal: fix the top 2 errors, not “run everything.”

Intensity rules (how to keep it safe)

Intensity is earned. Control is the gate. Use these rules to prevent injuries and ego culture.

Control gate

• If a student can’t stop instantly, intensity must go down.
• If contact gets reckless, reset the drill and restate targets.

Progression ladder

• Level 1: compliant partner, clean mechanics.
• Level 2: semi-resistant partner, still controlled.
• Level 3: light sparring scenario, limited options.
• Level 4: open sparring (only when control is proven).

Teaching shortcut: if safety or control drops, return to the previous level.

Common instructor mistakes

Mistake: Too many corrections

• Looks like: students get 10 tips and improve at none.
• Fix: correct the biggest root cause (usually stance/line/balance) and repeat.

Mistake: Running the whole pattern too early

• Looks like: students memorize while moving poorly.
• Fix: teach short segments, repeat, then connect.

Mistake: Fitness replaces skill

• Looks like: class is exhausting but technique doesn’t improve.
• Fix: keep warm-up short and purposeful; build conditioning inside technique work.

Mistake: Sparring without a goal

• Looks like: chaos rounds, ego, sloppy technique.
• Fix: every round has one goal (distance, counter timing, angles, control).

Quick self-checks for instructors

• Did I state one focus? Students should be able to repeat it.
• Did fundamentals support patterns? Same mechanics, different expression.
• Did I teach application? At least one drill that connects to the tul.
• Did intensity stay controlled? Safety and respect were visible.

Next

Once class structure is consistent, evaluation becomes clearer. Go to Evaluation & Testing.