Privates: Is there such thing as "too soon"?

danlen

Hey guys,

As there are a lot of regular posters here who are experienced coaches and/or competitors I thought it would be interesting to hear the general consensus on private lessons from those in the know.

Is it wise to wait until one has a good grasp of the fundamentals and is holding their own in regular group classes?

Or would it be more advantageous to start privates early in someone's "career"?

Looking forward to hearing your views...

Dyr

If you were the only person, other than the coach, who showed up for training would you go home?:D

Khannie

If the amount of money you intend on spending is fixed, wait a bit. If not, go for it. There is no better way to progress your technique than with good privates IMO.

Dave Joyce

Once you're into the rhythm of the class/system in which you're training, then I would say definately go for privates early if the instruction is of a good standard.

Bear in mind, most private instruction at this stage should be helping to install a good standard of basics which while possibly boring is worth getting right from the beginning. I've lost count of the number of people who have come to me who have trained for a good number of years and their basics are terrible and this can be very hard to re-install.....depending on the individual.

danlen

Thanks guys, very helpful replies.

One more related point I have been thinking about; if it is a case that you can afford it of course, is there a frequency that privates become of diminishing value. For example, is once a week more than adequate, or could more frequent private sessions still be worth the money you would be paying?

cowzerp

danlen wrote: »

Thanks guys, very helpful replies.

One more related point I have been thinking about; if it is a case that you can afford it of course, is there a frequency that privates become of diminishing value. For example, is once a week more than adequate, or could more frequent private sessions still be worth the money you would be paying?

you usually would get discounts for block payments, like most things-money up front is better for the trainer as then they know there guaranteed you show.

Doug Cartel

danlen wrote: »

Thanks guys, very helpful replies.

One more related point I have been thinking about; if it is a case that you can afford it of course, is there a frequency that privates become of diminishing value. For example, is once a week more than adequate, or could more frequent private sessions still be worth the money you would be paying?

Does this assume you're taking regular classes as well?

just-joe

Is it common to get private lessons in general?

danlen

Doug Cartel wrote: »

Does this assume you're taking regular classes as well?

Yes.

Massimo Giorgianni

danlen wrote: »

Thanks guys, very helpful replies.

One more related point I have been thinking about; if it is a case that you can afford it of course, is there a frequency that privates become of diminishing value. For example, is once a week more than adequate, or could more frequent private sessions still be worth the money you would be paying?

Are you asking if there is such a thing like " too many " private classes are not necessary to reach a top level?
If so, and knowing that you attend regularly group classes, I would say that there is no need to overload yourself with crazy schedules for long period of time ( let say 3 private + 2 public / week for more than 4 months) You will have better results if you balance your hard work with some breaks. Your body/mind will need time anyway to "integrate" deeply techniques and concepts. Also breaks can allow you to see again the big picture, see different approaches of your sport/art.