Adapting to Training Frequency

(Originally a social media post, so the audience is non-LMA “coaches.”)

Training frequency determines the approach and the results. Coaches love to imagine ideal programs. But material conditions decide everything.

If you have a free club with rotating, inconsistent, and temporary participants, your plans don’t matter. Your conditions do.

If you’re only seeing someone once, or not again for months: What is a realistic expectation? What becomes the priority? What’s the approach for one-time or infrequent participation? Do you talk about frequency at all? Do you help people understand what’s possible at the pace they’re actually living?

And be honest: Do you even have an approach for irregular engagement—or did you just fantasize about the curriculum you wish you could teach?

If someone trained 5x a week, once a week, once a month, or just once ever…

How would your approach change? If it wouldn’t, something’s wrong.

Coaching means adapting to the material conditions in front of you—not pretending you’re running a military academy with perfect attendance.

So ask yourself: What promises should you actually make? How do you keep people safe, supported, and not misled?

Training frequency determines the approach. The approach determines the results. Coaching starts with material reality—not fantasy. Don’t let ego obscure what’s right in front of you. Don’t let ego stop you from getting help with pedagogy or from acknowledging where you’re getting help.

To access the Liberation Martial Arts curriculum and contribute to the sustainability of this project, consider upgrading your membership. Find other ways to support me here. – Sam

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(I write daily about martial arts and other topics from a liberatory perspective. If you like my work, upgrade your subscription. You can also support me on Patreon or make a donation. Find Southpaw at its website. Get the swag on Spring. Also check out Liberation Martial Arts Online.)