Based on my experience at Krav the other night, it occurred to me I should describe what would make a good Krav Maga partner. Here are five ways to be a good partner:

Communicate. Introduce yourself. Let your partner know if you have any injuries they should be aware of. If you feel like they’re being too rough or going to fast, ask them to take it easy until you can get the hang of the defense.

Technique. Watch their technique. If you notice your partner performing a defense incorrectly, try to help them out. Let me put it this way: if you think they’re doing it incorrectly and really you’re the one doing it incorrectly, you suffer… By bringing any questions to the table, both parties benefit.

Be unexpected. Pay attention to the way your partner moves. When you do drills (especially those where your partner closes his or her eyes), try to do things they might not expect. Yell “Hey!” when you push them with the bags. And don’t forget to work all their angles.

Be strong. When you’re attacking, don’t hold back. You are preparing your partner for the worst, so you want to give them the best training possible. I can guarantee you they would rather get hurt in a controlled, safe environment rather than out in the unpredictable world. My motto in Krav class is “If I’m not broken or bleeding, keep going…”

Support. Encourage your partner. When they’re getting tired at the end of a drill, cheer them on to keep going strong.