But not all constructivist

Not everything in our classes is an example of constructivist approach. It's all physical, and all done in groups, but that doens't necessarily mean constructivist.

For example, martial arts skill depends heavily on repetition. We can't have confidence in our ability to use effective motion / technique under pressure until we've drilled that technique countless times. We have to make the technique ours.

To that end, we spend a fair amount of time, usually at the beginning of class, doing the same basic move again and again and again. For example, we might stand in horse stance (a stable way of standing designed to let us focus on the upper body) and practice horizontal thrust punches (the basic martial arts punch) a few hundred times.

I don't see a way around this -- we need repetition and practicing basics in the air has proven a vital way to build skills and proper technique. Anyone have suggestions on other ways to do this?

Sometimes what we do is practice on each other. For example, one person does punches, while the other person blocks them. This is very interactive, and leaves big bruises on the arms. :) But, it's not quite the same -- not quite so pure an example, not quite so clean a line -- as practicing "in air".

Peace,
SGB