What did he tell you about your grip. Were you holding the sticks with the Ringo grip of the classic fork grip with your left hand? I was taught the right was to grip sticks early, but I also learned the right does not always feel like the best way. Learning the proper way early was a plus. I now switch back and fourth, depending on what I am playing. I find I can get more power one way than the other. I have a knuckle on my right middle finger that has a permanent knot on it from smashing my knuckle into floor toms playing at extreme high speeds.
I cannot even begin to get a ring on that finger
Danny