invest in failure

Everyone likes to win. It's natural. But in order to win in the real fights, you must lose a lot in practice. The more the better.
I see too many students partnering up with people they know and feel comfortable they can beat. The truth is, you don't learn much when you win someone in practice. It's a good ego boost, but that's pretty much it.
It's far more fruitful for you if you invest in failure. Look for the biggest,toughest, and most experienced people in the class and partner with them. You'll learn and improve your fighting skills a lot more by losing to them, than by beating on the new guy.
Train Smart, Stay Safe,
Sharir R, ICCS Head Instructor.