Coaching self-defense under COVID-19: challenges and solutions in the police and civilian domain

Abstract

The spread of SARS-CoV-2 has led to a general shutdown of police and civilian self-defense training. While means of distance learning such as online teaching appear to be feasible for theory dominant subjects addressing cognitive resources of the learner, combat-related practices like self-defense trainings don´t seem to fit into the realm of virtual learning due to their bodily foundation. This is made clear by the collective perplexity of police and civilian coaches, gyms and organizations, on how to proceed with training during the lockdown in general, while approaches of distance learning (e.g., online learning) have rarely been considered. In the following article, we tackle the situation of police and civilian self-defense coaches in times of Corona. In a first step, contextual changes and challenges of coaching self-defense are identified through the lenses of a professional coaching model. In line with basic assumptions of ecological dynamics, adaptability seems to be the decisive resource for the coaching and training of self-defense in times of Corona. As an example for such an adaptation in training practice, a conceptual framework for distance-based self-defense training in the civilian and police domain is presented. This framework is adjusted to the respective requirements of physical distancing and adopted to novel security matters within the public sphere caused by the current regulations. In sum, the article attempts to provide ideas and orientation for police and civilian self-defense coaches as well as for their own development possibilities.

Challenges to Fitness and Coaching During Covid-19

“…The central most responsibility of the coaches is to familiarize such development and practices that can assist training and introduce the concepts of self-defence among the civilian as well police domains. Therefore for this purpose, the learning state of trainees needs to be addressed in accordance with their level of motivation, knowledge and personal interest (Koerner & Staller, 2020).…”

“…Similarly, such an adaptive method can be helpful to continue coaching and training of physical activities like self-defence. For this purpose, a planned and effective model of distance learning (online) is required (Koerner & Staller, 2020).…”

“…However, physical activities like coaching and training "self-defence" appear to the misfit in the substitutional means of virtual learning as these are entirely based on bodily movements and physical participation. Therefore there exists confusion at social and professional levels, for the notion of distance-learning continues to be a vague idea in coaching physical exercises (Koerner & Staller, 2020).…”

Maintaining Close Contact from a Distance: Digital Aikido Training under Covid-19 Conditions – Reflections and Lessons from an Online Martial Arts Course

“…To make the virtual practice more tangible, we implemented more functional optical and acoustic stimuli in our training. Additionally, for participants without a training partner, individual tasks and exercises of defense techniques included kinesthetic stimuli from, for instance, a wooden weapon, a ball, or even a small pillow [Koerner and Staller 2020]. During the synchronous online training, interactive defense reactions to a simulated attack by the teacher, visually and acoustically mediated by the camera, was possible.…”

“…There is little research to date on pedagogic and didactic issues of designing online courses in martial arts or on outcomes of digital teaching [Koerner and Staller 2020]. This essay aims first to explicate the pedagogic and didactic issues involved in designing an online course in a martial art.…”