Avoiding cults in martial arts is tricky. Especially when you’re a beginner. And even more so if the potential cult leader is very accomplished. This can easily lead the kind of hero worship that goes to a professors head and they start to fall in love with their own legend. Just because someone is good at armbars and guard passes doesn’t mean they have great life advice or that they know anything about other subjects. Be careful who you give your trust and watch out for red flags from teachers. Respect is a two way street. This week, evaluate the people you are learning from and measure them by their generosity, compassion, understanding, and patience as well as their technical proficiency and love for teaching.

Which of these do you personally need to work on the most in order to progress. Bonus: tell us in the comments which of these you have under control. Pick as many as you want.

In this video Professor James shows a great way to teach students how to practice the pocket knife movement. This movement is often used in side control and north south escapes.

@James Driskill be cool to see some rolling footage. Can see the speed which you roll, the sets ups etc. Think this would be a great learn tool. Cast your vote maybe we can persuade James!

I'll go first!