What I Learn As I Teach Others

I have been a martial arts teacher professionally for almost 25 years.  I have seen a myriad of things but I guarantee I haven't seen it all.  At least not yet.  I plan on retiring when it's time to go to the great beyond and not a moment sooner.  With that said it's important for me as a teacher to keep learning.  I always tell the new parent of a student that "the child will tell me how to teach them".  They often think that means the child is in charge and it's true.....kind of.  Children learn through play.  When their brain is in an excited state or agitated state they remember more vividly than at casual rest.  Since they have a dominate left or right side I have to take that into consideration as well.  Younger students also have a limited vocabulary in order to express themselves and on the others side of the equation what words they can understand and what they mean.  Some children are visual learners and can watch and do.  Others are auditory learners and can be told to do something and can do it.  Some children are tactical learners and you must move their arms and legs from time to time.  Some children do all, some or a combination of the above.  My first goal is to get them excited about the class my second goal is to pay attention to what they are telling me even when they aren't speaking.  So next time you watch class and wonder why some kids have great kicks or strong forms just know they all learned the same technique but with different interpretations.  Students progress at their own pace and will get to the same point of mastery as I learn their educational language and they learn the meaning of martial arts.  Until then perfect practice makes perfect and if want to reach your goals you have to do the work.  It definitely helps!  
​Take care,  Master T