Q&A with the coach. “Have you ever lost to a student?” Shanghai based MMA coach and Kunlun Fight Combat League ringside commentator Ramsey Dewey answers questions from the viewers.
Fabian Lorenzo I was just about to say that, look at the level of teaching and coaching being modeled here. There’s no ego just “I’ve had my fights, now let’s get in there and get the next generation their time to shine.”
@@vaan97531 I once beat my teacher/master after many frustrating defeats and had a explosive/joyful and egocentric reaction, he just noted "Its good you beat me, it is a pity you also defeated yourself in the process..." In the end, everyone needs to be virtuous, no matter the position you are in.
There’s a balance, a moment where when you beat your superior you should give yourself that moment of “my hard work bears fruit” and then the time to not do so.
I've submitted my sensei and senpai once when I was a whitebelt. My sensei was super happy, laughed and told me "Yes! That's it!" Padded me on the shoulder, and then proceeded to kick my ass. My senpai said he could've escaped, but did not to risk injury, and proceeded to kick my ass after he tapped out. The humility to accept that a white belt could submit them once, without ever complaining, loosing confidence, and not be bothered at all, was eye opening for me.
It shows they have real combat experience and learned how unpredictable fights can be and that they can still lose. But that is the cool thing about combat sports; how unpredictable they can be, because fighters evolve like Charled Oliveira. Do Bronx leveled up so much in the UFC to what he is now.
Boom! As a teacher, I love when I get to teach physically advantaged people. We always spar...sparring and fighting are very different however. I WANT someone to learn and apply my style who is better than me.
As a guitar teacher I feel my job is to ultimately pass on everything I know in the hopes that someday the student becomes better than me. I would think the same would apply in martial arts to a certain degree. That someday you hope they get good enough to actually beat you. No doubt there is something beautiful about this.
I don’t just want them to be good enough to beat me, they need to be good enough to beat trained killers who are peak professional athletes half my age.
I remember once when I was in judo class we shared class with the olympic wrestling class and their teacher was a bad mothefucker, he was small but he kicked a lot of ass. He had an student that was his top guy and they wrestler for like 30 minutes that day and it ended in a draw because both got gassed. His student was 20 years old and the teacher was in his middle 50's; it was a badass, technical match.
@@bewaterlee9857 This was like 10 years ago, so I don't remember the names of the teacher and the student. It lasted 30 minutes because we were training while the teacher and student were wrestling and our sensei always kept the time for our training. We usually trained one hour and we were at the half of our training when they gave up their match. Another student from the wrestling class was keeping the score and it ended in draw (we were asking because it was a great match). It's not that uncommon to have two people grappling for that long: in Eddie Guerrero's book, he tells that he wrestled 60 minutes Iron Matches so he would be in good condition to wrestle in WWE.
@@jollygoodfellow3957 He did good, a lot of the wrestlers he trained gave our school a lot of medals. I was reading some info and he retired a few years ago. I don't think he was running a McDojo, my judo sensei was an international referee for judo and she always speaked highly of his skills.
When I first saw the title of your video, I couldn't help thinking to myself "Of course he's "lost" to his students, if not then he's not teaching them to get better." As a teacher you don't want your student to stagnate under you, you would want them to genuinely get the better of you all the time. It's how you know what your teaching is right.
I don't teach martial arts but I'm a big guy and I wrestle with the members of my Youth Group. I've had the pleasure of turning a cowardly weak kid into a man that is a real threat to me in a wrestling match. To give him proper credit, I've tried to do that with all the guys in the group, but most of them don't have it in them. They think that the inevitability of their defeat is a reason not to fight. I think I mention that guy in most of my comments on this channel. I'm real proud of him.
Depends, Some people are great teachers but not So good fighters. I think Ramsey is not a great fighter, But perhaps he can teach. In that case Its not strange If students will get bettet than him. But If the teacher also is a great fighter, than he should stay ahead of his students for a long time.
Personally when I'm sparring with people of lesser ability I present openings I normally wouldn't. But I don't make it obvious. I think it's important for students to win from time to time. At least on occasion.
I've done that myself. I'll intentionally keep my hands lowered, allow them to position behind me, cross my own feet. Intentionally, just to see how they respond. Almost none of them took advantage of what I was told were technical mistakes be it risk of balance or blind sighting, etc.granted most of them were about my experience or less. But it's just interesting.
I would hate if any teacher allowed me to win. It gives false confidence because it would make me think I have things handled when I don't. If I join a competition having "won" times that I didn't rightfully deserve, I'd get my head ripped off in front of 1,000 people. No thanks. Never let me win. Ever.
While in Kung Fu I rolled with and tapped my Wing Chun instructor and he really did not like it. We cross trained in ground fighting and he was upset his student made him tap. I was not better, just got lucky but I saw a part of his true character and it made me sad. To me it was not about being better than him but getting better all together.
Bullfrog Jay that’s a very common problem in the traditional Chinese martial art community. The Sifu usually has great pride, and the students also expect him to be the best in the gym. It can be quite shameful if the Sifu is beaten thus it is difficult for them to accept defeat
@Fight Fly Crow Oh I stopped about 15 years ago. I train Judo/BJJ and dabble in boxing now. Wing Chun was fun and really upped my reflexes but I loved grappling arts more.
Hey Ramsey, I have no doubt that you could speak for an hour if someone asked the question, "have you ever lost your keys?"... And I'd listen to the entire hour... Lol... Thanks Bro...
I was just watching this video when my girlfriend walked up behind me and said that you should grow your hair out to the same length as your beard so you would have the Jason Statham look....so there you have it, fashion advice from the self-proclaimed world's greatest expert on the subject.
I agree but would like to add, same could be said backwards, you can’t experience failure unless you experience success. Thus I don’t think it’s you can’t experience failing or succeeding without the other but rather which ever comes first the one that comes second is amplified. When you succeed the pride and joy you have makes you never want to lose and when you fail all the anger and shame make you want to win all the more.
This harkens back to the old philosophy the student surpasses the master and leaves the dojo with respect. I also remember in a video Ramsey saying treat the students like babies so you won’t accidentally hurt them with your level of knowledge in martial arts so they won’t get injured or get unmotivated to learn. It’s a great way to give students incentives like that glove 🧤 when there is a goal to achieve there is always motivation
Imagine training a bunch of people in martial arts and expecting never to been got the better of. When you train a bunch of young-even old- enthusiastic people, eventually they’re gonna catch you at least a few times. The human body can only do so much, people will gain the skill eventually to go toe to toe with anyone.
Best troll impression ever. Seriously though, going through my MA and pursuing my PhD the hardest but most valuable lesson was seeing my writing not as valuable, but imperfect. It takes a lot to do that, but it's helped me progress and entertain the idea that there's still so much more to learn than what I think I know.
@Bob Jim rather than seeing it negatively, try to see how the mindset and the philosophy of mma can help what seems to be completely irrelevant to the conversation, which is higher education in this case. i think it is beautiful how different fields can find similarities in terms of their discipline.
Ramsey, I know virtually nothing about MMA & modern combat sports. I trained in traditional Tae Kwon Do for a number of years when I was a teen, but that’s three decades ago now. I’ve watched a bunch of your videos now, and so far this one is hands down my favorite. Your passion for what you do truly comes across here, in a way that I personally would describe as spiritual. I hope that characterization doesn’t offend you, because I mean it as the highest compliment I can give. You absolutely light up here in speaking from the source of your vocation. It’s beautiful to see. Keep up the great work!
As someone aspiring to be a coach, I have tons of appreciation for your content. Your attitude on martial arts resonates greatly with me. That journey, my man...keep it up!
When I was younger I wish I woulda had a sensei like you. Then again even at 42 I wish you were my sensei. I enjoy your show and the way you carry yourself thank you for your videos.
This is one of the finest martial arts videos I have ever had the good fortune to encounter. Insightful and motivating. Direct, simple, yet powerful. Truly useful. Well done.
Should have ended with "Now get out there and tap." I've said for a while (and I do not own the origin of this phrase) that you either win or you learn. That's what the "L" stands for in your fight record: how many times you learned something.
Ramsey Dewey, a man who may not be the best fighter on the Earth everyday. But never seems to run out of motivational fuel to hand out to everyone, so they get just a 'little' bit closer to being the fighter of the day, that's admirable and awesome. And arguably cooler than being world champion punching down on people all day long.
My Boxing coach is a great coach. A rather small dude(Same size as me 1,80m), grey beard. We all respect him for being a great coach even though he gets in there and spars with the stundents. He can't always keep up with the younger people, but when he does it's just amazing to watch. Yesterday I felt bad because I was so worn out from training that I got my ass kicked in sparring by worse fighters than me. You entirely took that away by telling us that that's exactly what to do.
Great video ramsey. I started a martial arts and karate club at my university because of the lack of decent and wide variety self defense in the surrounding towns (east texas). Generally i have the most experience (Wado Ryu practitioner since I was 7, about a year of bjj, and general training/bag work) and it can be difficult sometimes to stay ahead against some of the more naturally talented members. Eventually they're going to get enough knowledge and experience beat me, so i think i resonate to the question asked in the video. Alternatively sometimes the students can lack motivation and I think the first half of the video will help me a lot to get some more motivation for them to really work for it.
If I'm a teacher and my student never beats me then I'm not teaching good enough. Also, ability to perform at a high level and ability to teach are completely different skills.
Mad Respect to you Ramsey! All or most of your comments actually apply to TENNIS as well! Thx for the words of motivation & humility. Best Tennis Coach? NICK BOLLETIERRE!
This is an excellent philosophy for bettering not only yourself but those who are seeking knowledge. It's an instructors responsibility to provide this environment. Belts look good and recognize diligence but there is a huge difference in looking strong and being strong. Respect man and lol at fight records...very true
My old Judo coach would always tell me “PJ my goal for you is to become better than me, if you become better then me, then I will be happy” (or something along those lines
I do train people. But as a coach, I'd like not to be evaluated by how well I do in a fight, but how well I can bring out the best in my students. Journeying with them is one of my greatest joys.
I don't mind losing again and again because I'm learning. And at the end of the day, that's what matters to me. Improving ever so slightly in this journey of mine.
My HEMA instructor is very good at fencing just out of your skill level. its definitely a fine balance that he has perfected over the years, it motivates you because you get him sometimes, you see his attacks coming and parry or block and can see the avenue for improvement.
The most pride I've ever felt... was getting pinned by a high school wrestler I was training. It was a phenomenal feeling.. One of the best feelings you can have as a coach is seeing all the knowledge you've given a student pay dues!
Thanks for the answer Ramsey! Completely agree that it is okay for anyone whether that be a teacher or a student to lose on any given day because that is what learning and training is about. If you never lost then you never really learned and the relationship between teacher and student needs to be symbiotic in this pursuit of getting better and being a newer version of yourself each day.
I recall a Kempo story many years back. I was training / sparing with the instructor after class, just having fun. And I was doing quite well, getting some shots in, moving the way i was taught, using his lessons. And I was getting cocky. It was at that time when i saw his shoulder switch and dip, and a split second later a foot just lightly push across my face. 2 lessons learned. 1 anyone can beat anyone else with enough skill, training and luck. 2 do not get cocky with your instructor or he/she will show you, very easily, that they are being easy with you, and can remove your face . I have nothing but respect for instructors ;) .
Very Wise Words, you are probably one of the best teachers there ever were, Ramsey Dewey , Thank you so much for your inspiration, You Have Given Me a new found determination, not just on the mat but in life in general as well, we are all mortals, and no one is unbeatable, I'll remember those words for the rest on my days and every time I feel like giving up, I'll remember your words and keep fighting until I win, no matter the situation, no matter how many times I fall down, I'll get back up and keep fighting, Again I thank you with all sincerity. ~Max
Thanks for taking care of your noggin over all these years, so you can still string the words together to convey these messages. I really enjoyed and I think will benefit from this video. I'm a new attorney age 48 who had a few months of jiu jutsu classes in, say, 1997, and that's about it. But your messages have pretty broad applicability. My kid is 19 and really loves your stuff. Keep up the good work.
Finally an instructor that knows the purpose of s great mentor is to create a student BETTER than he is. That is the essence of teaching, especially of the martial arts. Hats off to you, keep teaching.
Losing to a student isn't humiliating for a real teacher; its a thing of glory when a teacher helps their student climb higher than they ever did. If a teacher is humiliated by that, maybe humility is what they need.
Sir, the more I watch your vids, the more I like you. You seem to be a great coach. And have great philosophy and ideas, not just technical info..Your students are lucky. Much respect
Was training a guy in MMA, he was a wrestler. A damn good one. In mixed sparring he regularly was able to get me down. Nothing ever broke the point was to train and get better. My TDD got better because of him.
Back at the BJJ gym I briefly attended, one of the Purple Belt assistant instructors told me during my second(?) class that he remembered the first time he landed a sweep on the head of our gym (a 3rd Degree Black Belt under Roberto Traven). The latter was immediately became ecstatic and congratulated/commended him on the spot.
Thank you for framing this issue in my opinion, the best way possible. As a self-defense instructor, I will admit here that I 'lose' to my students sometimes. And when that happens, we FIX the technique so that it works for everyone taking part in it. You see, if they can beat me or find ways to figure out how to do something against me, who is presumably the most experienced guy of the lot, then the technique I am showing them isn't working. This helps NO ONE. FIXING it allows myself and everyone I teach to benefit from my mistakes. As an instructor, I fix other people so the stuff works for them. If something fails because I've blown it or the technique simply doesn't work under that specific circumstance, then it's an opportunity for the teacher to learn. Admittedly, I don't like to 'lose' to the student, but I am obligated to be the best instructor I can be and if there are weaknesses in what I am doing, then I am failing as a teacher and my students help me to figure that out. The students, I think, become more invested in the system and the growth and expansion of the system by finding out how to beat the best guy in the room and teach everyone how it was done. By fixing technique, I specifically mean problems with execution, transition from one movement into another or lack of concentration. Other times, students have beat me simply because they are STRONGER, TALLER or found defeat my inherent weakness in size, height and the unavoidable older age. In those cases, then physicality and skill is an inherent detriment to executing good technique. But...this is also a good learning experience because the techniques must be fixed under extreme cases (severe height,weight and age differential). Keep up the good work, Ramsey. Happy holidays to you and your family from San Francisco, California USA.
I've had students beat me sparring, and it's not a big deal. If anything, it's a compliment on your teaching skills. As a teacher, I was so filled with pride for myself as well as my student when I saw him/her pass me up. When it happened(I don't teach anymore because I started studying Chinese martial arts) I always passed them onto my master or another teacher that was better than me. I just never really had the ego to stand in my way. I just realized while writing this that I had no issues with transforming teaching Kenpo to becoming a student learning Choy Li Fut and Chen Tai Chi.
I've heard a motto: "the master is never to be confronted". IMHO, if someone thinks that's right THEY SUCK... Also, if you go to a gym and see an "invincible" 60 years old master who still beats 25 years old people who studied with them for years... Well... Find another gym. Because that usually means they simply DON'T TEACH their students. I will treasure your "I'll go on until every white belt beats me" pearl of wisdom, Man...
Under the premise, that I train with my students (and teachers), how can you win over someone at training? I win every time I train, and I sure hope each of my students wins every time too!
Acknowledging and recognizing one's limitations to one's self is simultaneously the scariest and most intimidating foe one can face, and the most valuable gift of truth, understanding and growth one can receive.
I train to be better than my opponents hoping they are trying the same so we can better ourselves together. If you're better than everyone you know you have nowhere to go but down.
The point is to elevate your students above your own skill level. A coach who can only make a athlete as good as himself if a poor coach! Firas Zhabi would probably get beaten up by GSP but GSP isn’t known for consistently coaching and developing amazing fighters either!
Bruce Lee was 10 life times ahead of any other martial artist in existence There were reasons for that But is anybody of flesh and bone invincible BRUCE LEE HAD A BODYGUARD Ramsey Dewey is genuine I LOVE THAT !
Nice theory about pain, but the reality is way simple. That prolonged pain signals "dont mess with that shoulder until it has healed up, let it rest unless you really can't help it".
My sensei once told me, if you never lose your not training hard enough, cause although he has more experience than me, he would train with others who had more experience than him in order to better himself.
I watched so many of your videos today that I can’t remember if this is the one where you said, “Fall down 7 times; get up 8.” Then you said something about math nerds. Here is a way this makes sense. You couldn’t “fall down” if you weren’t standing up already so the first time you stand up is before the first time you fall down. So the first time you fall down, you’ve stood up once and fallen down once. After seven times of standing up you have also fallen down seven times. So if you don’t stand up the eighth time then you are staying down. If you do stand up the eighth time then you have gotten up once more than you’ve fallen down and you have finished in the top position or the stand up position. Just a thought.
You always come through, Ramsey. The thing that caught my attention about you first is your presence. You talk and look at the camera for a bit, then go on. You come across as very much present, and communicate in a way that someone might do in person, when they pause and let the words sink in, and perhaps even watch for recognition!
That was an intersting question. As a former martial arts instructor, I never competed against my students. I sparred with them, but always used that as a learning experience for both them, and myself. My goal was to get them to recognize the areas they were leaving open by striking those areas, yet leaving the same areas open on myself. Once they got that, I would stike other areas. I let them know that each sparring session should be a learning experience of some sort and to try to improve each time.
I'll never forget the first time I beat my coach. To see the fruits of my labors. At one point I thought he was unbeatable. Needless to say, if we sparred 5 rounds, hes winning 4. But the first time I ever put him on his ass was one of the proudest moments of my life
I took Kenpo Karate classes many years ago I was something around a orange belt and my instructor told me to disarm the plastic Knife from his hand. So i stood back without lunging forward or getting close to him i kicked his hand out of surprise and instinct. The knife dislodged from his hand went in the air and fell to the ground. He then politely said no he meant the moves he taught me to immobilize the hands and arm and then strike. So i remembered perfectly but didn't realize that's what he wanted to see what i learned and remembered, so i correctly performed the move by lunging forward to the side, trapping the hands, twisting the wrist, and striking the face. I remember leaving the dojo after class thinking i prefer the kick and run method rather than the trap and chance method.
I've seen a few of your videos by now but I wasn't yet subscribed. If this video doesn't warrant a subscription tho, I have no idea what does. Keep up the good work man.
Great as always Ramsey, i enjoy how as you speak about failure and the lessons it teaches. Helps us grow. It reminds me of a book failing forward. If we want to improve "don't get comfortable". No great fighter of any type got good from being comfortable or just from only winning. The losses teach us more and make us grow. If it is we want to. Live. Fight. Train.
One of my teachers once lost against me in sparring although he was at that time a champion. After that he trained me to lose. He said that following a sidekick I ought to throw a punch with the back of my hand. Next time he chose me for sparring he grinned. When I threw that backhand he kicked me in the rips as soon as I lifted my arm. He hit me so hard I couldn't breath and and I thought something was broken. "That punch was no good idea" I said when I regained the ability to speak. He said just: "I knew you would do that... because I just taught it to you..." So when you go out there looking for a trainer like Ramsey you better beware not to find a teacher with an opposite attitude.
As an instructor you will age and you will slow down and if your a great instructor you will create a student that is the new version of you. And once you created that human you feel more proud than when you obtained the skill. Cause you passed it to another.
This made me think about one student I have whom I lose to from time to time. He is very diligent and I make sure to teach him how he can counter and handle everything I do and more. The thing that is so great about it is that it forces me to think about new ways to spar and not get stuck in my old habits, which can otherwise happen quite easily. So we both get a lot out of it.
This is not a martial arts lesson. this is a life lesson. i will try my best to follow this path. i have enevr seen a single dojo or mma gym in india where teacher even allows student to go rough on them let alone loose to them. infact they dont even train them that good in fear that they might surpass them.
STUPID.... STUPID.... we are all stupid.... except if we learn from our mistakes.... Ramsey you are the Yoda of MMA... Love watching your video. Thanks
You're right, the top coaches in mma would definitely lose in a fight to the aforementioned champions (GSP, Jon Jones...), but they can still have pride that they helped get their guys to the top of their game. Look at Danaher for example, he has a legion of savage submission artists that can more than likely tap him, but they still look to him for guidance in their growth and for their career. That says a lot more than being able to whoop your fighter's asses.
If you never lost to a student you never taught them anything.
Fabian Lorenzo I was just about to say that, look at the level of teaching and coaching being modeled here. There’s no ego just “I’ve had my fights, now let’s get in there and get the next generation their time to shine.”
@@vaan97531 I once beat my teacher/master after many frustrating defeats and had a explosive/joyful and egocentric reaction, he just noted "Its good you beat me, it is a pity you also defeated yourself in the process..." In the end, everyone needs to be virtuous, no matter the position you are in.
There’s a balance, a moment where when you beat your superior you should give yourself that moment of “my hard work bears fruit” and then the time to not do so.
Oh my God thank you, that's already well said and it shouldn't have to be an debate on the subject matter no matter what
@@vaan97531 well said indeed.
Ramsey is actually 85 and these videos go back 50 years. He just uploads them in a random order, that's why his beard changes.
He could be time traveller.
Actually he s just AI generated figure
@@GuitarsRockForever ...I guess he could have time machine in his dojo.
He has found the key to immortality through intense martial art training
No, his beard is growing super fast. He is recording 15 video in a day every months and by the end of the row his beard is much longer.
I've submitted my sensei and senpai once when I was a whitebelt. My sensei was super happy, laughed and told me "Yes! That's it!" Padded me on the shoulder, and then proceeded to kick my ass. My senpai said he could've escaped, but did not to risk injury, and proceeded to kick my ass after he tapped out. The humility to accept that a white belt could submit them once, without ever complaining, loosing confidence, and not be bothered at all, was eye opening for me.
Are you Japanese
Yup that’s the gist of it right there
It shows they have real combat experience and learned how unpredictable fights can be and that they can still lose. But that is the cool thing about combat sports; how unpredictable they can be, because fighters evolve like Charled Oliveira. Do Bronx leveled up so much in the UFC to what he is now.
Ŵ@@grodygibsonlcd8038
I think Mike Tyson could have beaten Cus D'Amato in a fight quite easily, I think people know where I'm going withbthis
Perfect example of Ramsey's point that I think should be pinned to the top!
Boom! As a teacher, I love when I get to teach physically advantaged people. We always spar...sparring and fighting are very different however. I WANT someone to learn and apply my style who is better than me.
I'd pay to see that.
Cus D'Amato was injured he couldn't box
@@ahmadnassar3366 he was also a small out of shape old man.
As a guitar teacher I feel my job is to ultimately pass on everything I know in the hopes that someday the student becomes better than me. I would think the same would apply in martial arts to a certain degree. That someday you hope they get good enough to actually beat you. No doubt there is something beautiful about this.
I don’t just want them to be good enough to beat me, they need to be good enough to beat trained killers who are peak professional athletes half my age.
@@RamseyDewey haha
It should. I wish I could play guitar as good as I in martial arts 🥋🎸😉.
@@gentlegiant6585 bruh stop flexing
I remember once when I was in judo class we shared class with the olympic wrestling class and their teacher was a bad mothefucker, he was small but he kicked a lot of ass. He had an student that was his top guy and they wrestler for like 30 minutes that day and it ended in a draw because both got gassed.
His student was 20 years old and the teacher was in his middle 50's; it was a badass, technical match.
thats a lie
@@bewaterlee9857 This was like 10 years ago, so I don't remember the names of the teacher and the student.
It lasted 30 minutes because we were training while the teacher and student were wrestling and our sensei always kept the time for our training. We usually trained one hour and we were at the half of our training when they gave up their match.
Another student from the wrestling class was keeping the score and it ended in draw (we were asking because it was a great match).
It's not that uncommon to have two people grappling for that long: in Eddie Guerrero's book, he tells that he wrestled 60 minutes Iron Matches so he would be in good condition to wrestle in WWE.
Sounds like that guy should have his McDojo closed down.
@@jollygoodfellow3957 He did good, a lot of the wrestlers he trained gave our school a lot of medals.
I was reading some info and he retired a few years ago. I don't think he was running a McDojo, my judo sensei was an international referee for judo and she always speaked highly of his skills.
When I first saw the title of your video, I couldn't help thinking to myself "Of course he's "lost" to his students, if not then he's not teaching them to get better." As a teacher you don't want your student to stagnate under you, you would want them to genuinely get the better of you all the time. It's how you know what your teaching is right.
I don't teach martial arts but I'm a big guy and I wrestle with the members of my Youth Group. I've had the pleasure of turning a cowardly weak kid into a man that is a real threat to me in a wrestling match. To give him proper credit, I've tried to do that with all the guys in the group, but most of them don't have it in them. They think that the inevitability of their defeat is a reason not to fight.
I think I mention that guy in most of my comments on this channel. I'm real proud of him.
Depends, Some people are great teachers but not So good fighters. I think Ramsey is not a great fighter, But perhaps he can teach. In that case Its not strange If students will get bettet than him.
But If the teacher also is a great fighter, than he should stay ahead of his students for a long time.
Personally when I'm sparring with people of lesser ability I present openings I normally wouldn't. But I don't make it obvious. I think it's important for students to win from time to time. At least on occasion.
I've done that myself. I'll intentionally keep my hands lowered, allow them to position behind me, cross my own feet. Intentionally, just to see how they respond. Almost none of them took advantage of what I was told were technical mistakes be it risk of balance or blind sighting, etc.granted most of them were about my experience or less. But it's just interesting.
@@fireeaglefitnessmartialart935 ahh some people may be intimidated if you are to obvious.
I go easy on them. As they progress I'll get more and more intense. Gotta let the new ones learn!
@@samuraiken88 aye
I would hate if any teacher allowed me to win. It gives false confidence because it would make me think I have things handled when I don't. If I join a competition having "won" times that I didn't rightfully deserve, I'd get my head ripped off in front of 1,000 people. No thanks. Never let me win. Ever.
While in Kung Fu I rolled with and tapped my Wing Chun instructor and he really did not like it. We cross trained in ground fighting and he was upset his student made him tap. I was not better, just got lucky but I saw a part of his true character and it made me sad. To me it was not about being better than him but getting better all together.
Bullfrog Jay that’s a very common problem in the traditional Chinese martial art community. The Sifu usually has great pride, and the students also expect him to be the best in the gym. It can be quite shameful if the Sifu is beaten thus it is difficult for them to accept defeat
I'm sorry to say it... But that is typical of many traditional teachers.
@Fight Fly Crow good advice.. Then he will realise he is in the wrong... "dojo"
@Fight Fly Crow Oh I stopped about 15 years ago. I train Judo/BJJ and dabble in boxing now. Wing Chun was fun and really upped my reflexes but I loved grappling arts more.
@@bullfrogjay4383 true
Hey Ramsey, I have no doubt that you could speak for an hour if someone asked the question, "have you ever lost your keys?"... And I'd listen to the entire hour... Lol... Thanks Bro...
I actually lost my keys last night... long story short, I found them this morning.
@@RamseyDewey HAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAA!!!! KARMA BRO, KARMA!!!!!! I'm Listening!!!!
@@RamseyDewey I literally can't find my keys right now. Will try again tomorrow morning..
Lol
....
@@RamseyDewey I found my keys AND wallet!!! Good way to start the day!!! :-)
Good shout.
I fking love this guy, so wise, everyone could learn from Ramsey
I was just watching this video when my girlfriend walked up behind me and said that you should grow your hair out to the same length as your beard so you would have the Jason Statham look....so there you have it, fashion advice from the self-proclaimed world's greatest expert on the subject.
If your a instructor you always want your students to be Better and do their best
Can't experience success until you experience failure.
I agree but would like to add, same could be said backwards, you can’t experience failure unless you experience success. Thus I don’t think it’s you can’t experience failing or succeeding without the other but rather which ever comes first the one that comes second is amplified. When you succeed the pride and joy you have makes you never want to lose and when you fail all the anger and shame make you want to win all the more.
You, sir, truly are a wise and humble teacher, an inspiration for me to teach my students as best I can. Thank you!
Yes, Lord Vador.
Pain and experience are two of life's greatest teachers.
This harkens back to the old philosophy the student surpasses the master and leaves the dojo with respect. I also remember in a video Ramsey saying treat the students like babies so you won’t accidentally hurt them with your level of knowledge in martial arts so they won’t get injured or get unmotivated to learn. It’s a great way to give students incentives like that glove 🧤 when there is a goal to achieve there is always motivation
Imagine training a bunch of people in martial arts and expecting never to been got the better of. When you train a bunch of young-even old- enthusiastic people, eventually they’re gonna catch you at least a few times. The human body can only do so much, people will gain the skill eventually to go toe to toe with anyone.
Best troll impression ever. Seriously though, going through my MA and pursuing my PhD the hardest but most valuable lesson was seeing my writing not as valuable, but imperfect. It takes a lot to do that, but it's helped me progress and entertain the idea that there's still so much more to learn than what I think I know.
Nicholas van der Waard good to see you here two cent man !
@Bob Jim rather than seeing it negatively, try to see how the mindset and the philosophy of mma can help what seems to be completely irrelevant to the conversation, which is higher education in this case. i think it is beautiful how different fields can find similarities in terms of their discipline.
Ramsey, I know virtually nothing about MMA & modern combat sports. I trained in traditional Tae Kwon Do for a number of years when I was a teen, but that’s three decades ago now. I’ve watched a bunch of your videos now, and so far this one is hands down my favorite. Your passion for what you do truly comes across here, in a way that I personally would describe as spiritual. I hope that characterization doesn’t offend you, because I mean it as the highest compliment I can give. You absolutely light up here in speaking from the source of your vocation. It’s beautiful to see. Keep up the great work!
Roll until the white belts can beat you. Done, my poor technique really helped.
As someone aspiring to be a coach, I have tons of appreciation for your content. Your attitude on martial arts resonates greatly with me. That journey, my man...keep it up!
When I was younger I wish I woulda had a sensei like you. Then again even at 42 I wish you were my sensei. I enjoy your show and the way you carry yourself thank you for your videos.
This is one of the finest martial arts videos I have ever had the good fortune to encounter.
Insightful and motivating.
Direct, simple, yet powerful.
Truly useful.
Well done.
Agreed with
Should have ended with "Now get out there and tap."
I've said for a while (and I do not own the origin of this phrase) that you either win or you learn. That's what the "L" stands for in your fight record: how many times you learned something.
Brilliant reframe! Thanks!
It should be the goal of every teacher to see students out perform them. That's the sign of a GREAT instructor!
Your eyes are filled with the light and love of God, this is what makes you so approachable
Ramsey Dewey, a man who may not be the best fighter on the Earth everyday. But never seems to run out of motivational fuel to hand out to everyone, so they get just a 'little' bit closer to being the fighter of the day, that's admirable and awesome. And arguably cooler than being world champion punching down on people all day long.
Powerful motivation speech! Thank you Sensei Ramsey! Very true and very accurate! Drives home to what I have lived with all my life!
*This reminds me*
of the Lesson taught by the Anime *"Naruto"* in one of its earlier episodes
_"Be better than who you were Yesterday"_
Yeah I remember that episode
Back when they were still kids training
Tap out often. Amen to that.
My Boxing coach is a great coach. A rather small dude(Same size as me 1,80m), grey beard. We all respect him for being a great coach even though he gets in there and spars with the stundents. He can't always keep up with the younger people, but when he does it's just amazing to watch. Yesterday I felt bad because I was so worn out from training that I got my ass kicked in sparring by worse fighters than me. You entirely took that away by telling us that that's exactly what to do.
When I'm teaching someone them being able to best me is absolutely the highest compliment I can receive as an instructor or coach
He reminds me of the dude from “V for vendetta” .... I’m motivated I go train... thank you 🙏🏽
Great video ramsey. I started a martial arts and karate club at my university because of the lack of decent and wide variety self defense in the surrounding towns (east texas). Generally i have the most experience (Wado Ryu practitioner since I was 7, about a year of bjj, and general training/bag work) and it can be difficult sometimes to stay ahead against some of the more naturally talented members. Eventually they're going to get enough knowledge and experience beat me, so i think i resonate to the question asked in the video. Alternatively sometimes the students can lack motivation and I think the first half of the video will help me a lot to get some more motivation for them to really work for it.
If I'm a teacher and my student never beats me then I'm not teaching good enough.
Also, ability to perform at a high level and ability to teach are completely different skills.
Mad Respect to you Ramsey! All or most of your comments actually apply to TENNIS as well! Thx for the words of motivation & humility.
Best Tennis Coach? NICK BOLLETIERRE!
This is an excellent philosophy for bettering not only yourself but those who are seeking knowledge. It's an instructors responsibility to provide this environment. Belts look good and recognize diligence but there is a huge difference in looking strong and being strong. Respect man and lol at fight records...very true
You know who you can’t ever beat? ...
The Batman
Ya know why?
BECAUSE HES BATMAN
My old Judo coach would always tell me “PJ my goal for you is to become better than me, if you become better then me, then I will be happy” (or something along those lines
A wonderful example he set for you.
I do train people. But as a coach, I'd like not to be evaluated by how well I do in a fight, but how well I can bring out the best in my students. Journeying with them is one of my greatest joys.
I don't mind losing again and again because I'm learning. And at the end of the day, that's what matters to me. Improving ever so slightly in this journey of mine.
My HEMA instructor is very good at fencing just out of your skill level. its definitely a fine balance that he has perfected over the years, it motivates you because you get him sometimes, you see his attacks coming and parry or block and can see the avenue for improvement.
Ramsey you are a fascinating person. Thanks for the knowledge.
The most pride I've ever felt... was getting pinned by a high school wrestler I was training. It was a phenomenal feeling.. One of the best feelings you can have as a coach is seeing all the knowledge you've given a student pay dues!
Great episode and deep thoughts! Thanks.
I believe this is one of those videos we should come back and see it again once in a while.
Thanks for the answer Ramsey! Completely agree that it is okay for anyone whether that be a teacher or a student to lose on any given day because that is what learning and training is about. If you never lost then you never really learned and the relationship between teacher and student needs to be symbiotic in this pursuit of getting better and being a newer version of yourself each day.
I recall a Kempo story many years back. I was training / sparing with the instructor after class, just having fun. And I was doing quite well, getting some shots in, moving the way i was taught, using his lessons. And I was getting cocky. It was at that time when i saw his shoulder switch and dip, and a split second later a foot just lightly push across my face. 2 lessons learned. 1 anyone can beat anyone else with enough skill, training and luck. 2 do not get cocky with your instructor or he/she will show you, very easily, that they are being easy with you, and can remove your face . I have nothing but respect for instructors ;) .
Very Wise Words, you are probably one of the best teachers there ever were, Ramsey Dewey , Thank you so much for your inspiration, You Have Given Me a new found determination, not just on the mat but in life in general as well, we are all mortals, and no one is unbeatable, I'll remember those words for the rest on my days and every time I feel like giving up, I'll remember your words and keep fighting until I win, no matter the situation, no matter how many times I fall down, I'll get back up and keep fighting,
Again I thank you with all sincerity.
~Max
Coach as always thank you for your humility, humanity and wisdom.
You sir are awesome. Thank you.
Thanks for taking care of your noggin over all these years, so you can still string the words together to convey these messages. I really enjoyed and I think will benefit from this video. I'm a new attorney age 48 who had a few months of jiu jutsu classes in, say, 1997, and that's about it. But your messages have pretty broad applicability. My kid is 19 and really loves your stuff. Keep up the good work.
Finally an instructor that knows the purpose of s great mentor is to create a student BETTER than he is. That is the essence of teaching, especially of the martial arts. Hats off to you, keep teaching.
Losing to a student isn't humiliating for a real teacher; its a thing of glory when a teacher helps their student climb higher than they ever did. If a teacher is humiliated by that, maybe humility is what they need.
Wow!!! Amazing training philosophy. I admire you, man! Your students are very lucky to have you.
What a great question, and what a wholesome, positive answer!
You seem like such a calm spirited person. I wish I had that calmness...
Sir, the more I watch your vids, the more I like you. You seem to be a great coach. And have great philosophy and ideas, not just technical info..Your students are lucky. Much respect
There is no shame in losing to your student or losing to your son. Cause both of them reflect you.
Was training a guy in MMA, he was a wrestler. A damn good one. In mixed sparring he regularly was able to get me down. Nothing ever broke the point was to train and get better. My TDD got better because of him.
Your approach to your students is inspiring, self sacrificing and very honest
" you have to embrace failure if you want to be good at anything" - ramsay Dewey
Back at the BJJ gym I briefly attended, one of the Purple Belt assistant instructors told me during my second(?) class that he remembered the first time he landed a sweep on the head of our gym (a 3rd Degree Black Belt under Roberto Traven). The latter was immediately became ecstatic and congratulated/commended him on the spot.
Thank you for framing this issue in my opinion, the best way possible. As a self-defense instructor, I will admit here that I 'lose' to my students sometimes. And when that happens, we FIX the technique so that it works for everyone taking part in it. You see, if they can beat me or find ways to figure out how to do something against me, who is presumably the most experienced guy of the lot, then the technique I am showing them isn't working. This helps NO ONE. FIXING it allows myself and everyone I teach to benefit from my mistakes. As an instructor, I fix other people so the stuff works for them. If something fails because I've blown it or the technique simply doesn't work under that specific circumstance, then it's an opportunity for the teacher to learn. Admittedly, I don't like to 'lose' to the student, but I am obligated to be the best instructor I can be and if there are weaknesses in what I am doing, then I am failing as a teacher and my students help me to figure that out. The students, I think, become more invested in the system and the growth and expansion of the system by finding out how to beat the best guy in the room and teach everyone how it was done. By fixing technique, I specifically mean problems with execution, transition from one movement into another or lack of concentration. Other times, students have beat me simply because they are STRONGER, TALLER or found defeat my inherent weakness in size, height and the unavoidable older age. In those cases, then physicality and skill is an inherent detriment to executing good technique. But...this is also a good learning experience because the techniques must be fixed under extreme cases (severe height,weight and age differential). Keep up the good work, Ramsey. Happy holidays to you and your family from San Francisco, California USA.
I've had students beat me sparring, and it's not a big deal. If anything, it's a compliment on your teaching skills. As a teacher, I was so filled with pride for myself as well as my student when I saw him/her pass me up.
When it happened(I don't teach anymore because I started studying Chinese martial arts) I always passed them onto my master or another teacher that was better than me.
I just never really had the ego to stand in my way.
I just realized while writing this that I had no issues with transforming teaching Kenpo to becoming a student learning Choy Li Fut and Chen Tai Chi.
I've heard a motto: "the master is never to be confronted". IMHO, if someone thinks that's right THEY SUCK...
Also, if you go to a gym and see an "invincible" 60 years old master who still beats 25 years old people who studied with them for years... Well... Find another gym. Because that usually means they simply DON'T TEACH their students.
I will treasure your "I'll go on until every white belt beats me" pearl of wisdom, Man...
Under the premise, that I train with my students (and teachers), how can you win over someone at training? I win every time I train, and I sure hope each of my students wins every time too!
Awesome comments its refreshing to see. Not many haters.
Acknowledging and recognizing one's limitations to one's self is simultaneously the scariest and most intimidating foe one can face, and the most valuable gift of truth, understanding and growth one can receive.
I train to be better than my opponents hoping they are trying the same so we can better ourselves together. If you're better than everyone you know you have nowhere to go but down.
The point is to elevate your students above your own skill level. A coach who can only make a athlete as good as himself if a poor coach! Firas Zhabi would probably get beaten up by GSP but GSP isn’t known for consistently coaching and developing amazing fighters either!
Bruce Lee was 10 life times ahead of any other martial artist in existence
There were reasons for that
But is anybody of flesh and bone invincible
BRUCE LEE HAD A BODYGUARD
Ramsey Dewey is genuine
I LOVE THAT !
Nice theory about pain, but the reality is way simple. That prolonged pain signals "dont mess with that shoulder until it has healed up, let it rest unless you really can't help it".
My sensei once told me, if you never lose your not training hard enough, cause although he has more experience than me, he would train with others who had more experience than him in order to better himself.
I watched so many of your videos today that I can’t remember if this is the one where you said, “Fall down 7 times; get up 8.” Then you said something about math nerds. Here is a way this makes sense. You couldn’t “fall down” if you weren’t standing up already so the first time you stand up is before the first time you fall down. So the first time you fall down, you’ve stood up once and fallen down once. After seven times of standing up you have also fallen down seven times. So if you don’t stand up the eighth time then you are staying down. If you do stand up the eighth time then you have gotten up once more than you’ve fallen down and you have finished in the top position or the stand up position.
Just a thought.
You were once the student, you are now the teacher.
You always come through, Ramsey. The thing that caught my attention about you first is your presence. You talk and look at the camera for a bit, then go on. You come across as very much present, and communicate in a way that someone might do in person, when they pause and let the words sink in, and perhaps even watch for recognition!
An old Japanese jujitsu sensei had these words of advice for me, you haven't mastered a technique until you can teach it, and teach it well.
That pain is the gift that keeps on giving all year. It's the jelly of the month club of learning.
That was an intersting question. As a former martial arts instructor, I never competed against my students. I sparred with them, but always used that as a learning experience for both them, and myself. My goal was to get them to recognize the areas they were leaving open by striking those areas, yet leaving the same areas open on myself. Once they got that, I would stike other areas. I let them know that each sparring session should be a learning experience of some sort and to try to improve each time.
I'll never forget the first time I beat my coach. To see the fruits of my labors. At one point I thought he was unbeatable. Needless to say, if we sparred 5 rounds, hes winning 4. But the first time I ever put him on his ass was one of the proudest moments of my life
I took Kenpo Karate classes many years ago I was something around a orange belt and my instructor told me to disarm the plastic Knife from his hand. So i stood back without lunging forward or getting close to him i kicked his hand out of surprise and instinct. The knife dislodged from his hand went in the air and fell to the ground. He then politely said no he meant the moves he taught me to immobilize the hands and arm and then strike. So i remembered perfectly but didn't realize that's what he wanted to see what i learned and remembered, so i correctly performed the move by lunging forward to the side, trapping the hands, twisting the wrist, and striking the face. I remember leaving the dojo after class thinking i prefer the kick and run method rather than the trap and chance method.
When a teacher loses to a student, it just shows that he taught the student correctly. It's a badge of honour and accomplishment!
I've seen a few of your videos by now but I wasn't yet subscribed.
If this video doesn't warrant a subscription tho, I have no idea what does.
Keep up the good work man.
definitely one of your best videos yet.
Thank you, this is one of those differences between a descent coach and a Great coach.
Great as always Ramsey, i enjoy how as you speak about failure and the lessons it teaches. Helps us grow. It reminds me of a book failing forward. If we want to improve "don't get comfortable". No great fighter of any type got good from being comfortable or just from only winning. The losses teach us more and make us grow. If it is we want to. Live. Fight. Train.
One of my teachers once lost against me in sparring although he was at that time a champion. After that he trained me to lose. He said that following a sidekick I ought to throw a punch with the back of my hand. Next time he chose me for sparring he grinned. When I threw that backhand he kicked me in the rips as soon as I lifted my arm. He hit me so hard I couldn't breath and and I thought something was broken. "That punch was no good idea" I said when I regained the ability to speak. He said just: "I knew you would do that... because I just taught it to you..." So when you go out there looking for a trainer like Ramsey you better beware not to find a teacher with an opposite attitude.
As an instructor you will age and you will slow down and if your a great instructor you will create a student that is the new version of you. And once you created that human you feel more proud than when you obtained the skill. Cause you passed it to another.
Thanks Ramsey, what you say is not only fighting related. It has to do with who we are and who we want to be and become.
is it just me or does he have to most calming voice you have ever heard... he should do like audio-books
ASMR DO
I'm not a martial artist but still I find your videos extremely fascinating and inspiring. Keep up the good work.
If only I had a sensei like Ramsey growing up.
This made me think about one student I have whom I lose to from time to time. He is very diligent and I make sure to teach him how he can counter and handle everything I do and more. The thing that is so great about it is that it forces me to think about new ways to spar and not get stuck in my old habits, which can otherwise happen quite easily. So we both get a lot out of it.
This is not a martial arts lesson. this is a life lesson. i will try my best to follow this path. i have enevr seen a single dojo or mma gym in india where teacher even allows student to go rough on them let alone loose to them. infact they dont even train them that good in fear that they might surpass them.
when the answer is yes you do something right, because this mean that you teach your students right IMO.
STUPID.... STUPID.... we are all stupid.... except if we learn from our mistakes.... Ramsey you are the Yoda of MMA... Love watching your video. Thanks
Ricky lundell is an amazing martial artist and he's only 34 year's old ...much respect 👍
You're right, the top coaches in mma would definitely lose in a fight to the aforementioned champions (GSP, Jon Jones...), but they can still have pride that they helped get their guys to the top of their game. Look at Danaher for example, he has a legion of savage submission artists that can more than likely tap him, but they still look to him for guidance in their growth and for their career. That says a lot more than being able to whoop your fighter's asses.