Shadow teaching is the term we use to refer to the practice of offering unsolicited instruction to your partner, either verbally or non-verbally, during the course of training. It has become a current topic of discussion and a mild concern for the dojo. The simple solution is "don't do it." There is, however, a need for more than a simple admonition in order to adequately address this problem.
At the onset of this discussion I must emphasize that all or nearly all (there may be a few saints amongst us) of us have been guilty of this transgression at one time or another. The temptation is overwhelming. While training with a partner (especially a junior person) it becomes obvious that if only he/she would do such and such then a minor miracle would occur and that person would instantly understand exactly what they are trying to do. The error of their ways would become apparent and they would thank you to the end of their days. This rarely occurs. Instead Junior Partner tends to look at you, makes a noise that sort of sounds like "huh?" and goes on their merry way. So Senior Partner becomes a shadow teacher and responds with no, no, no, do this or that. This usually elicits an evil look from Junior Partner and no change in behavior. If shadow teacher and Junior Partner are lucky Sensei claps and the awkward exchange is over. No real learning has taken place but maybe no real harm either.
Another scenario (and maybe a more harmful one) is where Junior Partner listens intently, tries what shadow teacher says and thinks, "That was wonderful." Later, this same person also decides to "help" their partner with training. I think you may see where this is leading. Pretty soon information is being disseminated all over the mat and none of it is coming from Sensei. Shadow teaching becomes a well meant but insidious blight on the dojo.
The problem becomes even more complicated when a junior student asks for help. What do you do then? Be rude and say nothing? That's not a very good way to establish good dojo relations. What about when your partner says, "What did Sensei just do?" How, as a training partner do you handle that? Let's see if we can sort this all out.
In traditional dojos the problem is solved with one simple rule, "No Talking During Training." Strictly enforced it solves the problem of shadow teaching by default. No talking means no asking questions and no shadow teaching. In dojos like Nashville Aikikai, although we discourage talking while training, we see it as a lesser evil and tolerate it to a large extent. (Note to Self: Time for silent kaiko) I think that though rules are important, the best way to solve this problem is to approach it head-on. In order to do this we must understand the harm and then adopt a philosophy that counters and corrects the problem.
First let's take a look at the harm that shadow teaching causes. Shadow teaching is, as mentioned above, an impediment to learning. We all learn differently. If you interrupt your partner with unsolicited advice, no matter how well meant, it interrupts his/her train of thought and lengthens the learning curve. It also creates ill-will. We are at our most vulnerable when working with another person on a technique or concept we don't thoroughly understand. It is insulting and annoying when your partner starts instructing you like they have the inside skinny. This is especially true when it is obvious to even the casual observer that they are just as lost as you or, as is too often the case, more lost than you.
In addition, it is insulting to the Sensei. And I would remark, it is highly insulting to visiting (especially Shihan level) Sensei's. It presumes that Sensei just isn't up to the task of teaching class and that he/she need the students help to instruct and augment what has been shown or explained. In truth, since Aikido is an art beset by subtleties Sensei's routinely limit what they say in order to prevent confusion or fact overload. Also, Sensei's are always alert to those who aren't "getting it" and need help. To elaborate on Sensei's instruction is, to say the least, demeaning to his/her ability to teach class.
Now, here is the fix. Be alert to your partners' needs and training. Concern yourself with being the best training partner that you can be. If, and only if, your partner is so confused that it impedes the training process help in the most unobtrusive manner possible. Start by taking the Nage position and doing the technique yourself as well as you possibly can. If your partner is still unable to do the technique on their turn, sit briefly and watch those students that are training without a problem. Then, if your partner is still not catching on, as Uke, move your partner slowly through the technique. That should be enough to get the inexperienced person training. Also, have patience and make sure you are not going to fast.
Some dojos seem to embrace shadow teaching as a matter of routine. We at Nashville Aikikai do not. Mary Sensei and I have had to deal with this problem from the onset of the dojo. It is usually isolated instances and a word is enough to silence the offender. Let's all work to keep this from becoming more than isolated instances. Respect your partner and your Sensei and we will have a more productive and enjoyable dojo.
Yours in Aikido
Tom Sensei
At the onset of this discussion I must emphasize that all or nearly all (there may be a few saints amongst us) of us have been guilty of this transgression at one time or another. The temptation is overwhelming. While training with a partner (especially a junior person) it becomes obvious that if only he/she would do such and such then a minor miracle would occur and that person would instantly understand exactly what they are trying to do. The error of their ways would become apparent and they would thank you to the end of their days. This rarely occurs. Instead Junior Partner tends to look at you, makes a noise that sort of sounds like "huh?" and goes on their merry way. So Senior Partner becomes a shadow teacher and responds with no, no, no, do this or that. This usually elicits an evil look from Junior Partner and no change in behavior. If shadow teacher and Junior Partner are lucky Sensei claps and the awkward exchange is over. No real learning has taken place but maybe no real harm either.
Another scenario (and maybe a more harmful one) is where Junior Partner listens intently, tries what shadow teacher says and thinks, "That was wonderful." Later, this same person also decides to "help" their partner with training. I think you may see where this is leading. Pretty soon information is being disseminated all over the mat and none of it is coming from Sensei. Shadow teaching becomes a well meant but insidious blight on the dojo.
The problem becomes even more complicated when a junior student asks for help. What do you do then? Be rude and say nothing? That's not a very good way to establish good dojo relations. What about when your partner says, "What did Sensei just do?" How, as a training partner do you handle that? Let's see if we can sort this all out.
In traditional dojos the problem is solved with one simple rule, "No Talking During Training." Strictly enforced it solves the problem of shadow teaching by default. No talking means no asking questions and no shadow teaching. In dojos like Nashville Aikikai, although we discourage talking while training, we see it as a lesser evil and tolerate it to a large extent. (Note to Self: Time for silent kaiko) I think that though rules are important, the best way to solve this problem is to approach it head-on. In order to do this we must understand the harm and then adopt a philosophy that counters and corrects the problem.
First let's take a look at the harm that shadow teaching causes. Shadow teaching is, as mentioned above, an impediment to learning. We all learn differently. If you interrupt your partner with unsolicited advice, no matter how well meant, it interrupts his/her train of thought and lengthens the learning curve. It also creates ill-will. We are at our most vulnerable when working with another person on a technique or concept we don't thoroughly understand. It is insulting and annoying when your partner starts instructing you like they have the inside skinny. This is especially true when it is obvious to even the casual observer that they are just as lost as you or, as is too often the case, more lost than you.
In addition, it is insulting to the Sensei. And I would remark, it is highly insulting to visiting (especially Shihan level) Sensei's. It presumes that Sensei just isn't up to the task of teaching class and that he/she need the students help to instruct and augment what has been shown or explained. In truth, since Aikido is an art beset by subtleties Sensei's routinely limit what they say in order to prevent confusion or fact overload. Also, Sensei's are always alert to those who aren't "getting it" and need help. To elaborate on Sensei's instruction is, to say the least, demeaning to his/her ability to teach class.
Now, here is the fix. Be alert to your partners' needs and training. Concern yourself with being the best training partner that you can be. If, and only if, your partner is so confused that it impedes the training process help in the most unobtrusive manner possible. Start by taking the Nage position and doing the technique yourself as well as you possibly can. If your partner is still unable to do the technique on their turn, sit briefly and watch those students that are training without a problem. Then, if your partner is still not catching on, as Uke, move your partner slowly through the technique. That should be enough to get the inexperienced person training. Also, have patience and make sure you are not going to fast.
Some dojos seem to embrace shadow teaching as a matter of routine. We at Nashville Aikikai do not. Mary Sensei and I have had to deal with this problem from the onset of the dojo. It is usually isolated instances and a word is enough to silence the offender. Let's all work to keep this from becoming more than isolated instances. Respect your partner and your Sensei and we will have a more productive and enjoyable dojo.
Yours in Aikido
Tom Sensei
