To my fellow professionals, have you ever had a difficult customer who challenged you to grow, and thickened your skin? If so I’m sure you can relate to this story below.

Juan,

I’ve given our interaction from yesterday some reflection, and I’d like to leave you with these thoughts. Read them as you wish, no need to reply.

It is disappointing to me that I failed as a teacher, unable to impart knowledge to you. It is disappointing to me that you as a student did not come to class open to gaining new knowledge.

There were many things you asked me for, and that I prepared for you, but first and foremost all classes begin with a detailed and nuanced discussion of firearm safety. If that is something you don’t have patience for, then I’m sorry, I can’t help you.

I understand that what you found in class was not what you were expecting. What then were you expecting? I have been a professional teacher for 10 years, 5 of which has been in the defensive shooting and firearm safety field. Every question, method, or order of discussion that I present in class has a lengthy reason which was developed through trial and error.

It seems my approach to teaching frustrated you. Please feel free to google “Socratic Teaching Method”. It is the best knowledge delivery method currently available to teachers. That is what you paid for. If you just want to go shoot, then why do you need me?

As a teacher, I don’t success when I present information for you, most of which you would forget. I succeed as a teacher when you leave with knowledge; when you succeed as a student. That means I ask my students to work during class, to engage, to think, to process and cement the new knowledge with old knowledge. This is a process that some just don’t want to do. Stretching your mind, like any other muscle, is uncomfortable. It’s tough to admit that you don’t have all the answers, but as a teacher I’ll be first to admit- You’ve taught me a good lesson yesterday.

I slowed you down before you unpacked the rifle, then you unpacked it facing other people. I tried to guide you in questioning just exactly why that was unsafe, and you closed your ears. Remember we cannot run until we walk, we cannot walk until we crawl. I don’t know you, and I don’t know your assumptions. That means we start shooting and getting to the “good part” when you demonstrate to me that you understand safe handling habits.

If that is too much for me to expect from you, then yes it is best to call it a day. As you said, perhaps seek out a different instructor who is less conscious about gun safety. I’m sure you’ll find many. Good luck. Thanks for the tuition!

-B

Interested in learning more about private lessons or custom training opportunities in the Bay Area? Visit http://www.monarchdefense.org or email to info@monarchdefense.org.