Prior Knowledge for Fighters and Coaches
So, if you have not heard before, the term prior knowledge refers to everything a student walked in the door knowing that day. It seems like a really easy concept, of course you want to know how much they know, OF course we ask new fighters things.
But are we asking the right questions, and are we asking and evaluating enough to really know where these fighters are at?
Conversely, are we handing a Kindergartener a typewriter and sending them off to write a novel so to speak.
Did you assess their understanding of basics? (What is your definition of basics?)
Did you talk to them about learning preferences, how to address them, and preferences about physical interaction? What style are they learning? DId you ask about physical limitations? Previous teachers? What about other sports or activities, and confrontational skills?
As a classroom teacher I used checklists daily to assess skills and knowledge, and make certain I was moving children through learning goals in a timely fashion on their level. I have found the same approach in SCA fencing to be invaluable. It helps answer the questions above, as well as to inform some of the language I use to instruct students. Anytime I can use language that relates to something they already know it speeds learning and retention by using brain pathways that have already been built. It’s like the difference between walking to the lake with no path in the middle of un-managed wilderness, versus walking to the lake using a dirt path or paved path. You always want the paved path when you can choose it.
If a person has been a dancer, say, they most likely have dealt with difficult physically demanding situations, physical feedback, and they have a definite physical hook for footwork. However, this person may be lacking in skills to deal with a confrontational sport. So you can build on the physicality quickly but need to have things in place for building resilience and regrouping skills.
If a person was a boxer they are going to have dealt with the physicality and some of the mental game associated with confrontational sports and you can build on both.
On the far end of the scale is someone who has never done a sport or physical competition at all. They will need to develop the physical and mental skills. They will be starting from ground zero and you will have to give them instruction in both. Particularly if the person was socialized to avoid confrontation. Most people who are AFAB (assigned female at birth) have been socialized to avoid confrontation on some level. Conversely many people who are AMAB (assigned male at birth) were socialized to engage in confrontational situations, and may need different support for how to handle feelings after a sparring session, and how to drill and work non competitively.
For clarification confrontation is anywhere from verbal to physical. In the case of sports like soccer, basketball, football, and yes rapier we are dealing with direct confrontation as a part of the sport.
Consider expanding your checklist to include these specific questions and assessments:
Have you ever used swords before, in what way (Kendo, HEMA, Stage etc)?
Have you ever had an SCA instructor?
Have you ever done a sport before, if so what?
Do you have physical limitations that affect how you move or fight?
How do you respond to confrontational situations in life? What happens afterwards?
Then walk them through a checklist for authorization, and or a basic skills checklist that you or you and your Don have developed keeping in mind any physical limitations. I have included a sample below. Keep in mind it does not include all follow on questions, or what skills I would teach next. Feel free to use this as a leaping off point to develop one for yourself!
Best Wishes! Have fun, fight with honor.
Sample Checklist
Awesome !! Thank you !
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