I need some advice

[raistlin1616]

I just got my 1st dan and both my shihan and my mother want me to teach a class that is primarily children and now that I've moved from a junior rank to an adult rank I feel as though everyone is watching and judging me and it makes me extremely nervous. Its like everything that I've learned over 10 years gets erased at the thought of teaching a class. What should I do. Sorry if I seem needy but I'm losing it. Thanks in advanced.

[RA Miller]

Raistlin-

Simply, you are a white belt at teaching. It is a separate skill. Enjoy it and learn from it just as you learned your technique. Every time someone asks you "Why" you will have to find the words... and that will open doors of understanding for you.

Yes, teaching is scary. And you should jump at the opportunity.

Rory

[Abbax8]

Raistlin,
To help ease your fears go into class prepared. Have a lesson plan in writing prepared, preferrably the night before class. Cover everything you will have the class do from warmups to ukemi to the technique you wish to teach to cool down. Fill up your class tome with PLANNED ACTIVITY. Don't shoot from the hip!
A suggestion- if your kids a 10 years old, change the activity every 10 minutes. If 8 years old, change it every 8 minutes. You get the picture. Use this as a guide to fill your lesson plan. Good Teaching.

Peace
Dennis

[Lawrence]

HI there.

Now this is a subject many people should be able to remember.

I remember it quite well. I was 12 years old when I first began teaching. Much to my present dismay of the fact, but I was ranked shodan in judo at the age of 12. This did not mean I was an instructor, just that I had many years of fortunate tution. At this age, I was dropped in at the deep end, it was my instructors way of testing my character at the time, he made me teach a few basic throws to the senior mat.

This was more dounting to a 12 year old, but I did it. I stood there, performed the technique at a fluid but controlled speed, with a very good uke I might add, then broke it down to point out where the feet should go, how and where you break their balance. Then performed it once more and told them all to practice.

At this point my instructor jumped in, encorragede them all to train and corrected them on their techniques.

After this he began by giving me a small group of new blood. Both on the junior and the senior mats, only four or five, but it was enough to gain the confidence to slowly begin to really teach stuff.

Try talking to your instructor, explain how you feel, and see if he has any possible aids to help you learn and gain the experience you require to teach a Martial Art, rather than just demonstrate a technique.

Good luck,

Lawrence.

[Jim]

Just remember that everyone feels the same when they first start teaching. Although you feel that everyone is there watching for you to make a mistake, it's probably not true. And so what if you do! Everyone's human (we hope).

Just relax and enjoy it. If it becomes a real problem discuss it further with the other instructors. Teaching is a lot like public speaking, and with public speaking there are some who are actually physically sick before 'going on'.

Don't forget to get back to us and let us know how things are going.

:wave:

[Abbax8]

I started judo at the YMCA when I was 12. By the time I was 13 our assistant instructor asked me to help him teach a new kids class on Saturday mornings. I was uke and helped to correct form on the basic moves. I know I made mistakes but this really helped me come up the learning curve fast and I liked it. After about a year or so the instructor could no longer teach on Saturday morning, so at 14 and a green belt I found myself with my own class. This continued for about 2 years until a new administrtion decided I wasn't qualified to teach anymore. They also stopped the adult Tuesday night classes at the same time. I think they just wanted us out for some reason, never learned why. Don't care now! We found a new home and the parents brought their kids there. I became the assisitant instructor there and the club grew to about 30 people in all. At 18 I left for college and within a year the club died. I truly believe that some teens are capable of teaching younger and older students. It's an individual thing. Especially in the beginning a responsible adult should be keeping an eye on things. As a side light, are you aware that in the Boy Scouts the program is designed for older boys to teach younger ones. Teaches maturity and responsibility.

Peace
Dennis:p

[fightgrrl]

Anyone who knows something another does not can teach it to them...we try to start the kids out at all levels, it helps them to learn too...a student who knows a kata can show it to another...its not like teaching the class, but its a good way to start and they feel more a part of the school too. (unfortunately, the student who has the best form is not a very good instructor)


with kids be sure to have a plan, keep them busy and remember that all you are doing is sharing knowledge you have and they do not, remember that they are going to frustrated and nervous too, because they are just learning, your classes will FLY by...

and...remember this...teaching kids is a challenge, it is teaching adults that is A PAIN...

[Bear]

I don't teach any martial arts, but have taught many other skills (I'm an old Boy Scout, if that helps any). The hardest part I find of teaching is doing what is best for everyone. You are going to find that some people will be able to pick up on a technique by seeing it, others by having it described step by step, and still others by actually doing it repeatedly until they get it right. Creating a teaching style that everyone can learn from, and you can teach, is what you need to do.
My advice is to try everything that comes to mind. If you think it might work, try it once, or even a couple of times. In an older group (maybe about 15 years and up) ask for feedback. Teachers can learn a lot from their students. And finally, don't be afraid to ask for advice and help from others.
Good luck, and have fun with it.

[Jen]

Go ahead and try it. Maybe just try a few times to lead warmups if that is possible. I was doing that at a much lower rank than yours in the first place I trained. Then when I was comfortable doing that, I was allowed to do simple drills. Usually, my instructor was in the room, and telling me exactly what to do. I was allowed to do things like pick numbers at first. I would mainly just shout the command and count for it. Depending on the age of the students I would do things like count 1, 2,and then a random number to see who would get tripped up by it. Eventually I was given the task of teaching individual or small groups of students. I would mainly get to teach the newest students very basic things, or for kids that were having a lot of trouble with something. When one of the kids that was having a lot of trouble getting to the next rank finally passes their test, believe me, you will feel so proud of them. My class was in the gym where my mom worked, so if my teacher saw me walking around he would usually just tell me to get ready and come in to help.
There was a boy from France in the dojang. He did not understand English well which made it harder to teach him with the group. This poor kid had so much trouble with English that he could barely even ask to go to the bathroom. Often he was sent in the back with me to get individual instruction. I guess maybe it would be easier for a kid to teach to him instead of a 60 something year old man. This boy was a white belt for almost a year. Finally, after many months of working with this boy, he took his test and passed. Everyone was so proud of him, the rest of the class, his family. He had made such a great improvement in his technique and also in his English. I had such a sense of satisfaction as he was handed the certificate and the belt was tied around his waist. Yes, it was very difficult for both of us when I first started to teach him. However, this moment will remain for me as one of my proudest ever.
So, no matter how hard it is for you and the kids at first, you will have a moment when you know that you are doing well, and you are appreciated.

Sorry for writing a book, but that boy just came into my mind when I read this.

[Laotse]

What a question! But a good one, a humbling matter. I am 48, with far more experience than you, but I am just beginning teaching for the first time in my life. It is very humbling, but very useful personally. I am glad it is not children; adults are easier. On the other hand, I am on my own; my teacher certified me to teach partly because he knows there will be no overlap in our activities, even as I continue training with him. I have no one to fall back on, just my own instincts.

I agree with those who say do not shoot from the hip. Plan it. Rehearse it in your mind, over and over. Know what you want to teach to a first class for beginners; know where they should progress in their first few months. What will you leave out at first? What will you finally teach them after 3 or 4 months?

With time you will instinctively be able to teach without advance planning. Fine; do not push this. It will come naturally. Just know the order in which you want to introduce new topics. Know what signs of understanding, or lack of understanding, to look for.

Good luck -- and remember, luck has nothing to do with your success.

[red_fists]

Hi.

I don't teach perse, never bothered to aquire a licence/permission to teach the style I studied.
These are non-ranked styles, and you have to be atleast at advanced level(8~10yrs) and the right person to be considered for teaching training.

Even saw in all the styles I studied it was the Senior Students that often had to answer question, demo techniques and give corrections to our juniors & fellow Students.
This was an ongoing process.

If you want to teach and maybe become a fully-fledged Teacher/Dojo owner later on than go for it.
If like me your rather learn your style and advance yourself then don't.
Teaching to a degree will reduce the time that you can spend training yourself.

Cheers.

[Laotse]

Originally posted by red_fists
Hi.
Teaching to a degree will reduce the time that you can spend training yourself.


I disagree. Teaching is training yourself. When you try to explain details, you suddenly discover your own inadequacies; what you really do and do not know, and how well you know it. It sends me back to my teacher with questions. Now that I am teaching, I train more, not less.

[red_fists]

Dale.

I agree and disagree.

Agree:
What you said is of ocurse 100% correct, one reason why we need to help junior students, for exactly this reason.
If we give a wrong answer Sifu will come and correct both of us.

Disagree:
Who today has so few commitments that they can afford to train their normal schedule and add the burden of teaching to it.
it might work while you are young, but us older MA who got a Job, Wife and Kids are already struggling to get the time to train.

Atleat that is what I see among my Sifu and friends that teach MA not as a proffession.

Cheers.

[Laotse]

I do not really consider that a point of disagreement; it is just that we all have different lives, needs, responsibilities, and so on. I am no longer married, which helps a WHOLE lot. I do have a teenaged daughter living with me, though. I train at home about 3-4 hours at home for every class I teach (2 hours a week) or get taught in (3 hours a week). The key is being able to train at home. I live alongside a bayou, with big open areas that are ideal for training. I don't even have a yard I have to mow! I chose my residence for this quality.

I understand, believe me. I did not have a chance to become a serious martial artist until after my divorce; my wife was much too selfish to allow it. Good riddance! I hope yours is more understanding.

[red_fists]

Dale.

I fully understand.

Iam married with a wife and 2yr old Son.
My Wife allows me to train 3 Days a week,

Unfortunately training for at home is not an option, Apartment is too small and the Park too far away. I live in a highly build-up area, due to the demands of my Job.

But I agree my training was harder and better before I found my other half.

Peace.

[Shukyoku]

Teaching is scary! Nuff said there. But it can be a good experience, because not only are you helping others, but your self as well. As you teach basic techniques, you really get to examine the little nitpicky details of those techniques. Thereby, your own basic becomes stronger, and you are better for it. I am going through the same thing, and its hard, but I'm learning more and more from it.

[shortstick]

Everyone has great comments! I agree as another person stated that a class planner is key. Plan every minute of your class, and have back up ideas, incase you have to move on.
Dont try to be too complex, and make it fun! Save your class planners by theme- for example-have a section for planners that concentrate on basics, another for forms, and so on. As you teach more you will compile a large binder full of ideas on running a class. Also as they stated, keep your class sections to 6-8 minutes each, that helps younger kids refocus. later You can then look back at the old planners to re-use, or modify.
Its a bit of work at 1st, but your preping will show.
Be confident, but dont act like a "Know-it-all" And you will do great.
Good luck!

[black-gi]

I think thats how it is, because it was that way for me and everyone else I know.. I would suggest that they arn't " watching you" so much as they are going to help you be better. Other then that have fun teaching kids I love it and I know I get the evil eye sometimes from parents but they have to understand it is still a martial arts school.
Good luck.




Jason Bryant

Tracy Karate
Calgary Alberta, Canada

[Joseph_Bowen]

just hang in there and relax, you can do it.

[Joseph_Bowen]

J oops- forgot to capitalize!

[Markaso]

Yes it is scary ....... especially done in a different language and country than your own. Since I have been teaching I found that, when I teach I always learn. Maybe something to keep in mind.


Good luck! :toast:

[tkdcanada]

Agreed. The thought of teaching used to send shivers up and down my spine because I found it so scary (I hate anything that makes me the centre of attention in a group). But since I've gained a bit of experience in teaching I've found that it's not as unpleasant as I first viewed it. I have retained so much more of my material/curriculum through teaching and that in turn has given me much more confidence. It's still not something I will be the first in line for, but at least now I embrace it as a very valuable part of my training. :)

[Fightback2]

Teaching can definitely be a knee-knocking experience. Try to remember these things:

1. Keep It Short & Simple - don't try to impress
2. You will be harder on yourself than anyone else
3. Don't try to please everyone or you won't please anyone (including yourself)
4. Prepare, prepare, prepare
5. Don't be afraid to ask questions of higher-ranked belts if you need to

Good luck!

[David Craik]

Err...anyone look at the age of the original post, or the fact that the person is no longer a member here? Raistlin's probably a sandan by now.

[black-gi]

if you are going to do it. DO IT! be confident. What I found out quickly was that the more alive and active I was, the kids where the same. So be loud, be tall and be excited.
When I am finished the kids class I am quite tired from trying to be a teacher and a entertainer (haha) I find it works when you look like you want to be there. In return they will look the same.Good luck!



Jason Bryant

[Jerry]

I think this underscores a problem with schools that don't teach teaching from early on. You hit this sudden "sink or swim" point.

Teaching is a great way to learn. I higly encourage you to find a way to face your fears and teach. Whether teaching children is the best choice there is beyond my knowledge of your situation.

[Aikido_Girl918]

I am not a teacher, but as a student in the kids class I can tell you, I have 3 senseis currently, and one that quit. Sensei Bud is the "senior instructor", and is the best one, obviously, he has been teaching longer. Sensei Tim is one of the 2 "assistants", he is the one who keeps class in order, and for that, I really like him. Sensei Nichole is the other "assistant", she is my favorite one still teaching. She is also 15. Nichole is my favorite, and almost everyone else's, too, because she is firm enough, yet she is still really fun, because she is still young herself. Although the kids don't respect her that much yet(she has only been teaching about 6-7 months), they listen better every day. She is young and is too afraid to be the bad guy. But my overall favorite sensei is Tel, he is left at 17. He was a great instructor. He was not afraid to punish, but he wasn't afraid to have fun either, which is why he had so much respect from the kids. He always tried to make people laugh.
What I'm saying is, go for it! But watch yourself. Don't be afraid to be a bad guy. But don't be afraid to have fun, either, if you are allowed to. If the main instructor asks a question(unless you are the main instructor) , and nobody puts their hands up(or even if they do sometimes), put yours up excitedly. Make people happy. Use your own ways, or ask people for ideas, but don't be afraid to jump in feet first sometimes. As a student I can tell you, students really enjoy that kind of thing from an instructor.

[poetic misjustice]

i remember when i started teaching, i was terrified, loads of people staring at you expectantly waiting for an order, so the only way to do it is give that order teaching is difficult, but once you get used to it becomes just as easy as learning, well thats what i've found anyway, as the nike advert says: just do it, and show confidence, then your students will be more confident

[Aikido_Girl918]

I think this underscores a problem with schools that don't teach teaching from early on. You hit this sudden "sink or swim" point.
Teaching early on is a great way to learn. I started teaching (sempai) at 6th kyu. It's great, I am helping the lower belts tonight for their tests. At our dojo, you have to teach to move up once you hit 5th kyu. That also helps to build confidence other than in the dojo. Plus, when you have higher belts teaching, the lower belt have role models. Higher belts to be ooke is a good thing to. They have more experience in rolls and falls, too.

[TCBA_Joe]

I know its slightly differant teaching martial arts, but im gonna spit it. I'm a ski instructor, and I have learned so much from teaching it. I thought I was really good before I first started, but when I started teaching it opened up a whole world to me. I started noticing bad habits that I had gathered over the years, and since I had to teach correctly, I had to fix them. Plus, when you're explaining how to do something, you start to think a lot more about how things work, and that carries over. My mindset teaching is a lot differant skiing now from 5 years ago. I think through a lot of things now that I that didnt go through my mind then.
Then: WEEEEE!!!!
Now: ok, i'm chattering a little on the turn, i need to tip my skis a little more.
and it all happens in the same time. a lot more thinking involved when you start to teach something. same should apply to martial arts. (correct me if i'm wrong)

[dtf]

In addition to making a plan, I would suggest just making sure the kids are having a good time. The better time they have, the more fun you will have teaching. You don't really tell us the ages of the kids you are teaching. My thoughts are; if the kids don't seem to be picking up on something you are trying to teach; move on to something else. Don't get frustrated. All kids learn at a different pace. Keep the pace of the class moving. Kids attention spans tends to be short

Above all else, have fun!

David

[Chrisfolmar]

Teaching is one of the hardest things a martial artist can learn to do. Be postitive, truthful and try to remember what it is like NOT to know what is going on around you and you will be off to an acceptable start.

Demand no less of yourself as you received from the person whom gave you the most memorable instruction. A teacher made an impact on you at some point on your Path, figure out how to copy and improve on them.

[DragonMind]

Teaching is one of the hardest things a martial artist can learn to do.
I have to disagree. Like any subject, some folks will find it hard, others will take to it readily. The important thing is if you are going to teach, learn how to do it right. If you discover that teaching is not for you, have the good sense to stop doing it.

[Chrisfolmar]

My point is on the LEARNING how to teach. Some people have a tacit ability to communicate and share with others. Some have to learn how to do it. The challenge for anyone who is instructing is to find ways to continually improve the way they present the information.

[DragonMind]

Agreed. I just objected to the blanket statement that it is hard. That alone may discourage some people from becoming teachers who may be naturals.

[dsimons]

I started teaching when I was 13 and not yet a Black Belt, my first class I stood in the corner and froze...then the head instructor had to come and rescue me and the class. I had never, and have never been so afraid of kids...and they were 4-year old white belts. Just remember, kids don't know whats really going on, they have a great memory for random details, but other than that, they are just as scared of you as you are of them...

[Si Xing]

if i were to ever teach anyone, i would have to do it personally rather than a group. only since a group has different rates at which people work.

[doubleouch]

Always best if you can start by working as a teaching assistant first. Helping out for a couple of months with your head instructor would be very helpful. If that is not possible then maybe hang out and watch how your instructor does things concentrating on how he structures class etc.

[DragonMind]

if i were to ever teach anyone, i would have to do it personally rather than a group. only since a group has different rates at which people work.
Mentoring is harder than teaching a group.

[Jessica]

Guys, this is a REALLY old post....

[Si Xing]

yeah but, working with one person can be easier since you can deal with how slow or quick they pick up. but if it is a group then this group might get it perfectly. and a few others might struggle, so what do you do about that?

[DragonMind]

yeah but, working with one person can be easier since you can deal with how slow or quick they pick up. but if it is a group then this group might get it perfectly. and a few others might struggle, so what do you do about that?
In a group setting, you have the advantage of seeing multiple people of varying skills doing the same thing and multiple viewpoints that may click something. If you are one-on-one and your student doesn't get what you're saying, you have to search for another way to say/show the same thing. That isn't always easy to do. Particularly if you don't realize the learning style of the student and your teaching style and how they may not mesh.

[TonyU]

In a group setting, you have the advantage of seeing multiple people of varying skills doing the same thing and multiple viewpoints that may click something. If you are one-on-one and your student doesn't get what you're saying, you have to search for another way to say/show the same thing. That isn't always easy to do. Particularly if you don't realize the learning style of the student and your teaching style and how they may not mesh.
Also working one on one denies the student the potential to work with different body styles and abilities.

[Tang-Soo-Architect]

My 'teacher training' has been like a full circle. I started assisting one on one merely passing on instructions from my teacher to the student I was concentrating on. Then I went on to teaching the entire class with my instructor watching on to give advice, until such time they could leave me to my own devices. Now I have come back round to one on one, but rather than just repeat what I have been told to say I now teach the students under my supervision my way.
I still get to do all the other bits too, and I think that is the best way to learn; put yourself in different teaching situations, and have backup if you need it until you feel confident that you can teach without support.
The most important piece of advice I can give anyone who is getting into class teaching is : interact with the class - don't just stand at the front and lecture. Watch to see how the class is coping and work with them - if that means standing at the back with the beginners and leaving the senior students to themselves then do so.

[DragonMind]

Here's a wild thought for everyone. Why do we put our newest students in the back? OK, I know about the RHIP tradition, but from a teaching standpoint it seems to me that having them in front would be a better choice. It allows not only the instructor but the senior students to watch them for mistakes AND puts them in front of the mirrors (in most schools) where they can see themselves better. It also means they can see the instructor's demonstrations better.

[Tang-Soo-Architect]

Here's a wild thought for everyone. Why do we put our newest students in the back? OK, I know about the RHIP tradition, but from a teaching standpoint it seems to me that having them in front would be a better choice. It allows not only the instructor but the senior students to watch them for mistakes AND puts them in front of the mirrors (in most schools) where they can see themselves better. It also means they can see the instructor's demonstrations better.

I think it is a respect thing and tradition has stuck. I went to a Choi Kwon Do class once - very interesting MA - and they had beginners at the front for the reason that it was easier for them to see the teacher.

In our class higher grades such as myself will often go to the back to stand next to the new students to help them out.