Coming up through the ranks, when we would line up in beginning of class for the warmup, I would scan the room and plan out who I would ask to roll and in what order. Certain people I would prefer to warm up with, and others who I knew I would have “gym wars” with I would save for early on in the training when I was still fresh. I would also make a mental check of who I could use for a “technical” breather round instead of sitting out after a few tough goes. 

Another strong consideration would be for training partners that I had memorable rolls with and try to counter them or refine what didn’t work/could’ve worked better. And, if I saw visitors I’d always make a mental note to grab a roll in with them.

Too often, when instructors say “grab a partner”, students scatter and many are unable to find a partner, or the “right” partner. Especially in between rounds, and then sometimes have to sit out because of that.

Every second of the training session should be utilized correctly, so knowing who and when to train with is key. This is especially true for experienced students who are regulars. 

On the flip side, as instructors we should help some students find partners. Especially newer ones who don’t have so much “data” to collect within the room. And for the advanced ones, if we see them purposely avoiding tough rolls.. to make sure that doesn’t happen too often.