Throws need to be done over and over again to be second nature. So let's say you learn a throw. How many classes do you have students repeating that throw before allowing them to spar with it? I guess what I'm asking is what's the best way to teach students how to use a good amount of throws spontaneously in a few months as opposed to years? There's so many throws to learn that it seems the "doing it until it's second nature" repetitive level of training would take forever.

I'm not sure if this helps....

Tim teaches the principles of the throw (usually including all the tiniest points)- the students pair up and slowly execute the throw as they get clarification on how to make it work- that may take 15 minutes for one throw. (In the traditional internal arts classes, Tim shows the 'form' or in which the movement of the throw is repeated)

Then the same two students work on the same throw with less cooperation for a few turns.
(Tim usually follows that throw with it's counter, which is practiced the same way- and the counter's counter)

By the end of an hour the students, if they choose, do light sparring where they can, if they see the opportunity- execute any of the throws in their repertoire. Generally, the students focus on that days throws, but if you feel a perfect chance to use a throw learned in a previous class- go for it.

It takes a few light-sparring sessions for the student to get the true feel of setting up and executing the throw. (and of course each light-sparring partner will respond differently and have his own repertoire of counters they're working on)

Whenever the students decide, they can take the light sparring into the medium/full-contact mode.

I've been in classes where a new throw is taught and later that same day some of the scrappier students put on headgear, gloves and execute the same throw in the heat of full-contact situation. And weeks later, have seen the same student use the throw during full-contact sparring again, seemingly as second nature.

I've never been all that scrappy myself- but have pulled off same-day techniques in light sparring that afternoon and have seen the oppertunity to pull off that same throw multiple times during sparring some are just comfortable to use- which may be a 'second nature' thing.

The students who want to be well-rounded fighters spar a lot to get comfortable setting-up and pulling-off throws during the adrenaline rush.

Second nature happens after the 4th adrinaline rush. (just kidding... I have no idea)

Thank you, Shane. That was a very good description of training spontanaity in throwing.

Very good.