My philosophy on learning | Wick's Defensive Tactics

Currently working on Class level 2, 3 and some specialty classes.

Firearm Education

tHIS IS HOW I THINK ABOUT LEARNING AS A WHOLE AS WELL AS FIREARM tRAINING

It is often said that to teach someone, you must be a master yourself, but you should always be a student of your craft. Like in many fields, mastering the fundamentals is crucial in firearms training. It is essential not only to understand how to do things correctly but also to be aware of potential pitfalls and know how to address them.

When teaching shooting skills, the goal is to make actions flow automatically and become muscle memory. This requires multiple repetitions. However, there is a risk of developing bad habits or unknowingly performing inefficient techniques. While having inefficient techniques does not make you a bad shooter, there is always room for improvement. It is up to the individual to decide if they are willing to put in the effort to become better.

I take the role of instructor very seriously. It is crucial to have a deep understanding of how people learn when teaching a new skill. When acquiring a new skill set, our brains do not have the neural pathways necessary for execution. Ever wonder why even after providing detailed instructions and demonstrations, some individuals struggle to perform the task correctly? This is due to the lack of established neural pathways in the brain. The only way for these pathways to develop is through proper rest and sleep after learning a new skill. During our training sessions, we will focus on demonstrating the correct techniques and emphasize the importance of consistent practice through multiple repetitions.

Expert Instruction

Having a solid knowledge foundation is instrumental in retaining information effectively. Learning through multiple methods, such as reading, listening, writing, hands-on practice, and observation, can enhance your retention of new information. As a new firearm owner, it is crucial to ask questions to clarify any uncertainties and deepen your understanding. Following each instruction session, I will ensure that you comprehend the concepts covered. Building a strong knowledge base is key to your growth and proficiency in handling firearms. Remember, continuous learning and seeking clarification are essential components of mastering this skill.

Foundation of knowledge

I like most people I know struggled in math class, when I was younger I thought is was just because I was dumb. later when I went to college I had to take math again to a pretty high level. At the beginning I struggled until i got to the level of mathematics that starts to explain things that you learn early on. I started to learn the WHY of things, as soon as I started to learn that everything clicked into place. Math soon become an easy thing to me to the point that I had no problem teaching it to other people. I have thought a lot about why I had to struggle so much. When if I had just been taught the WHY I could do something, and how it worked I would have been able to learn the subject.

Now, how can I apply this understanding of learning to being a firearm instructor?

Everything I teach you will have a clear rationale behind it.
All the concepts I cover have been rigorously tested and proven – no frivolous or flashy techniques.
I am committed to continual learning and evolution in my craft, open to new information and approaches (no rigid, dogmatic beliefs).
When you attend my class, you have full access to the information to use as you see fit (I am not reinventing the wheel).
I will take the time to ensure that you grasp the material I am teaching, utilizing various methods to accommodate different learning styles, as everyone learns differently

Explaining how we learn: Understanding our Brains

Owens MT, Tanner KD. Teaching as Brain Changing: Exploring Connections between Neuroscience and Innovative Teaching. CBE Life Sci Educ. 2017 Summer;16(2):fe2. doi: 10.1187/cbe.17-01-0005. PMID: 28450442; PMCID: PMC5459260.

Read the Paper