There is no set way to model in any 3D App like Maya or max etc... Kurt uses his way to model to show you a good workflow, good, technique and to open you up to trying different methods. Its not right to say that there is no wrong way or right way (esp. when your learning), doing it wrong happens a lot in the start.

Kurt usually starts with NURBS and then moves into Polys. Some people use nothing but NURBS, others nothing but Polys, then there is the Sub-D crowd.

Its how you prefer to model. Keep doing tutes and you will find that each project has its own technique to get the results. Its what ever fits that project, and this is decided way ahead of launching Maya.

Good Luck