Asked to teach

[rainesr]

I was practicing some forms in my backyard and I caught the attention of my neighbors. They were asking me questions about what I trained, how long, etc... They asked me if I would teach their kids (Tang Soo Do). They have 4 boys and can not afford it otherwise. They caught me off guard, teaching isn't something I have put much thought into.

My experience with TSD amounts to:

I took Tang Soo Do for about 10 or so years, I made 1st Gup 3 times due to moves, I was in the military. At my last school I knew much of the form and applications curriculum to 2nd Dan. I was not tested unless I had all the 1 (or more) steps and Ho Sin Sul techniques, but I continued to learn forms and attend all the black belt classes.

not exactly teaching material. I used to help teach new students and even ran a few classes, but I have never been an instructor. I feel bad and would like to help but would it be acceptable?

I can't legitimately promote anyone and they won't get to spar and do all the fun social stuff they really want to do. All I can do is teach the very basics.

I told them it probably wouldn't be a good idea, but I would think about it.


~Rob

Somewhat off topic but a local school quoted the mom $300 (they actually told her, buy three get one free) for uniforms, yes just uniforms. Our very own friendly neighborhood ATA school at work. What makes it worse is I know others who signed up there and no one seems to get quoted the same price. maybe the teacher is just being an opportunist.

[cejames]

Just a thought but consider the ramifications of teaching children especially if one get hurt. Parents may be ok to start but things change a lot when their children are injured or hurt. If it happens and since this is a physical contact type thing your lack of insurance and insufficient home insurance could be expensive if sued.

Think in terms of liabilities.

Regards,

Charles J.

[rainesr]

That is actually my biggest concern, that is why there could be no sparring and such. Just forms and basics. Even then they could get hurt.

~Rob

[sean_stonehart]

Personally... I'd decline politely as possible & just give them your concerns. Your homeowner's/renter's insurance probably would have a natural born fit if anything occurred. Not saying it would, but they are kids. Add to that the financial concerns of the folks (again not saying they would) about not being able to enroll all 4 at a "regular school"... I dunno but I couldn't do it.

There's gotta be a Y or a rec center that offers something around. Talk to your teacher & see if a deal couldn't be struck to help them out as much as possible without damaging his credibility with the other paying parents & such. I dunno... that's a tight spot.

Another reason why I practice in my living room or parks. Nobody sees me in my living room & at a park, I can just say no & walk away. Now if they come to the rec center where I teach or the gym I teach at... that's different. But nothing privately on a handshake & goodwill. I don't trust anybody enough to do that.

[Jonathan Randall]

There's gotta be a Y or a rec center that offers something around. Talk to your teacher & see if a deal couldn't be struck to help them out as much as possible without damaging his credibility with the other paying parents & such. I dunno... that's a tight spot.

Good idea. Most of the community colleges in the area (where I live, your experience may differ) have night programs for adults and children. Interestingly, the actual martial arts instruction is generally superior to that found at the local commercial studios.

What you could do, Robert Raines, is offer to help find the children quality, yet inexpensive, instruction. With your background, you already know the organizations to avoid - whereas the parents will be clueless.

[rainesr]

There's gotta be a Y or a rec center that offers something around. Talk to your teacher & see if a deal couldn't be struck to help them out as much as possible without damaging his credibility with the other paying parents & such. I dunno... that's a tight spot.

Just the gyms in town, they are probably not much cheaper than a martial arts schools. My town is kind of a black hole for martial arts. I know two teachers in town that are not ATA and take younger children. I work out with them a couple times a month, I'll see if they have sibling rates. I suspect the ATA school gave such a bad impression that my neighbors didn't check other places out.

~Rob

[Eliz]

Agree with all of the above.

That being said, continue your practice and allow the kids to immitate your moves from their own yard. Don't instruct them. Just do your thing. If they are interested they will watch you and immitate you.

Some of my top students came from the parking lot. They would come by and just watch through the windows from the parking lot. They absorbed everything we did.

[CEB]

New Orleans isn't a martial arts black hole. Mikami Sensei has lived there for YEARS.

[Webmaster]

New Orleans isn't a martial arts black hole. Mikami Sensei has lived there for YEARS.

There's quite a variety of martial arts to choose from in NOLA, but the black hole is one quality, not quantity. Mikami still casts a big shadow over New Orleans martial arts, but is out shadowed by other arts that are more in the spotlight, like MMA and BJJ.

[rainesr]

New Orleans is not, the town I live in is.

I am about 30min or out of New Orleans, longer for Metarie during rush hour, my neighbors will not travel there to take their children to a martial arts class.

I travel there and Baton Rouge for classes. An hour or so is not a big deal for me.

~Rob