Works for me. Huh? What does that even mean?

Published on December 17, 2017
Duration: 6:22

This video emphasizes the importance of being a better student in firearms training by critically evaluating instructor methodologies. It highlights the difference between 'it works for me' as a valid personal metric versus a lazy excuse, particularly when it compromises safety or effectiveness. The speaker, Scott Jelinski of Modern Samurai Project, advises seeking instructors who are also continuous learners and can articulate the metrics behind their techniques, rather than those who present a single method as 'the way'.

Quick Summary

Effective firearms training requires students to be discerning. A key indicator of a good instructor is their ability to explain the metrics behind their techniques, presenting methods as 'a way, not the way.' Avoid instructors who claim singular authority, and question the 'it works for me' excuse when it masks laziness or compromises safety.

Chapters

  1. 00:07Introduction & Changing Scenery
  2. 00:20Topic: Being a Better Student
  3. 00:31Conversation with Paul Williams (SM Weapon Systems)
  4. 00:48How to Be a Better Student: Part 1
  5. 00:53The 'It Works For Me' Fallacy
  6. 01:17Ernest Langdon Example: DA/SA vs. Striker-Fired
  7. 02:24When 'It Works For Me' is Lazy
  8. 02:35Concealed Carry Pitfalls: Small of Back Carry
  9. 02:49Paul Williams' Statement: Best Instructors are Best Students
  10. 03:12Sign of a Lazy Instructor: 'The Way'
  11. 03:24Great Instructors are Always Learning
  12. 03:29Admired Instructors: Fisher, Langdon, Murphy, Keepers
  13. 03:42'A Way, Not The Way' Philosophy
  14. 03:55Questioning Instructor Metrics
  15. 04:18Evolving Methods: Not Wrong, Just More Efficient
  16. 04:34Fast Drill Comparison: Langdon vs. Jelinski
  17. 05:03Great Instructors are Always Pushing
  18. 05:09Stagnation: Military/Academy Methods
  19. 05:20The Danger of Stagnating as a Student
  20. 05:28Final Thoughts: Legitimacy vs. Laziness
  21. 05:44Modern Samurai Project Website & Contact
  22. 05:54Closing Remarks: Stay Safe, Get Training

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a key indicator of a lazy or arrogant firearms instructor?

A primary sign of a lazy or arrogant firearms instructor is when they present their methods as 'the way' rather than 'a way.' This suggests a lack of critical thinking and an unwillingness to consider alternative, potentially more effective, approaches to firearms training and technique.

How can a student determine if an instructor's advice is valid?

Students should ask instructors to articulate the specific metrics or performance standards that justify their techniques. If an instructor cannot clearly explain the basis for their methods, it may indicate they haven't thoroughly evaluated their own practices or are relying on outdated information.

When is the phrase 'it works for me' an acceptable justification in firearms?

The phrase 'it works for me' is acceptable when comparing personal equipment choices (like pistol types) where individual preference doesn't compromise safety or overall effectiveness, and the difference in performance is negligible within a given metric. It's not an excuse for unsafe or inefficient practices.

Why is it important for firearms instructors to continuously learn?

Continuously learning allows instructors to refine their techniques, discover more efficient methods, and adapt to new information in the firearms community. Instructors who only teach outdated methods risk stagnating, which hinders their students' progress and can lead to suboptimal or unsafe practices.

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