Physical fitness of firearms instructors

[Kirk Freeman]

What got me thinking about this was a post in another subforum where someone mentioned Larry Vickers looking a little hefty for a Delta guy (or something to that effect).

Didn't he vow never to run without a bear chasing him once he was out?

 

[IndyGlockMan]

Geez... i'd love to be 5-11 & 213lbs.

 

[cedartop]

Just for some clarification, that article wasn't the reason I started this thread. I hadn't even heard about it until now. What got me thinking about this was a post in another subforum where someone mentioned Larry Vickers looking a little hefty for a Delta guy (or something to that effect).

But I do appreciate you sharing the pertinent links.

Are you blaming me?rockwoot:

 

[Que]

I wonder if there are any trainers who would not accept a student in his class because of weight?

 

[HICKMAN]

Just for some clarification, that article wasn't the reason I started this thread. I hadn't even heard about it until now. What got me thinking about this was a post in another subforum where someone mentioned Larry Vickers looking a little hefty for a Delta guy (or something to that effect).

But I do appreciate you sharing the pertinent links.

I'm surprised you hadn't heard about it, the gun blogs had been blowing the guy up over it.

 

[irishfan]

I'm surprised you hadn't heard about it, the gun blogs had been blowing the guy up over it.

the problem on a lot of the gun boards is Larry Vickers at 300lbs could do more then most keyboard commandos ever could with their Noveske rifles and oober zombie killing ninja rolls.

 

[cedartop]

the problem on a lot of the gun boards is Larry Vickers at 300lbs could do more then most keyboard commandos ever could with their Noveske rifles and oober zombie killing ninja rolls.

True. Here is an example of why I am taking the class with who I am.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGlsk81O4nM

This won't matter to many, and that is fine.

 

[esrice]

Are you blaming me?rockwoot:

I had to look back but I guess it was your post, lol.

 

[BehindBlueI's]

Physical ability matters in a fight.

That's never been in question. Training isn't fighting, though, which is why I asked early in the thread "are we choosing a trainer or a tag team partner?"

Do you think this guy is going to win Gold at the Olympics on a gymnastic team?

Of course not. But women he trains can, and have. The mere fact he can't do the routines he teaches them to do is irrelevant.

Emanual Steward wasn't a better boxer than Evander Holyfield when he trained him. Emanual Steward wasn't in as good a shape as Evander Holyfield...yet Evander Holyfield trained under Emanual Steward and became a better boxer for it. As did Oscar De La Hoya and a slew of other boxers. All despite the fact Steward was a mediocre boxer himself and was well past middle age during many of his training sessions.

 

[bingley]

True. Here is an example of why I am taking the class with who I am.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGlsk81O4nM

Can you explain what this is an example of? I see someone who is kind of a comic, but he doesn't do anything in the video that shows he's a good teacher, e.g., having a sensible syllabus, having a talent for diagnosing problems, knowing how to train people, etc.

That's never been in question. Training isn't fighting, though, which is why I asked early in the thread "are we choosing a trainer or a tag team partner?"

I suspect that for some people, it's about becoming "tough" and they need to see an instructor who is tough to become tough themselves. For others, it's some sort of social code, though they wouldn't admit it. I just hope people realize the fact that being tough, fit, etc. doesn't mean you can teach worth a damn. One of the better fighters I've seen in Indiana just downright sucks as a teacher. He's irresponsible, arrogant, and childish. He actually teaches only 20% of the time. The rest of the time is students giving him emotional support. The first time I saw him I thought he was just going through a life crisis. The second time I saw him, I realized life is his crisis, and I have avoided him like the plague ever since. The guy is incredibly fit. I wouldn't want to fight him.

 

[SSGSAD]

My answer would be:

Can you shoot better than I can? Then I have something to learn from you.

Even when people aren't as good as you, there maybe the opportunity to learn from them, or while helping them improve to your level.

JMHO, just because I can shoot "better than you", doesn't really mean I can teach you anything.
I was VERY dissappointed, when in the USMC, as they required "Marksmanship" Instructors, to be "expert" shots..... Just because I don't or "can't" shoot Expert, does not mean I cannot instruct..... I KNOW what to do, I just can't always do it .....

 

[turnandshoot4]

http://youtu.be/lGlsk81O4nM

There is so much going on in this video.

 

[esrice]

http://youtu.be/lGlsk81O4nM

There is so much going on in this video.

Check Post #107, lol.

 

[churchmouse]

I do not care what condition/gender someone is. If they have pertinent info to my improving then I will be attentive. If not, well, I won't.

 

[turnandshoot4]

Check Post #107, lol.

Whoops. I just found that video today. Guess I was a day late.

I wouldn't hesitate to train with Mac again. That guy is the real deal.

 

[esrice]

I wouldn't hesitate to train with Mac again. That guy is the real deal.

He seems a little crazy. But I'm of the mind that a little crazy can be an asset.

 

[Rob377]

He seems a little crazy. But I'm of the mind that a little crazy can be an asset.

Check his bio. He's no joke.

 

[esrice]

Check his bio. He's no joke.

Oh I'm familiar and agree. Like I said, it's a 'good crazy'.

 

[ViperJock]

Ok I've only read the first three pages but...

1. You are picking an instructor, not a squad mate.
2. Anyone who thinks they have nothing to learn from anyone at all is an idiot. Every person alive can teach you something, if only indirectly.
3. Often people with physical limitations (and sorry big guys but being fat is a limitation) have learned to adapt and improvise. You can't put money on the value of the experience someone like that can share with you. What if you end up immobile for any number of reasons?
4. "Good against remotes is one thing. Good against the living..." -Han solo.
5. If I'm having trouble understanding something an instructor should be able to demonstrate it. If he/she can, then there you go.
6. There is no #6.
7. Size does matter. If she tells you otherwise, she is after your money.

I digress. Time to end.

 

[rhino]

I wonder if there are any trainers who would not accept a student in his class because of weight?

We could probably find a few if we tried. Not sure if we could find any with whom someone would really want to train, though.