Archive for the 'karate instructor' Category

Teacher or Tyrant?

Published on January 12, 2010 in karate instructor, teaching karate and teaching karate to kids. 8 Comments

A few years ago I had a family who had both young boys and their dad train at my dojo.

They were lovely people and always enjoyed being part of the club. They wanted to help out where they could, always attended club activities and always spoke highly of the school recruiting new people whenever they could. During their short time with my club they would have brought in at least 3 other families who became long term students.

Sadly a couple of years ago with the downturn in the economy they were forced to move out of California to a small town in Nevada, where they bought a beautiful new house on a golf course with amazing desert views. They still live there and love the small town atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of California.

However they tell me there is only one karate school in this town, where the teacher is a tyrant. Apparently he yells and screams at his students, takes the “drill instructor” attitude and treats 5 year olds, teens and adults all the same way.

Though I’m sure the dad could no doubt handle whatever the instructor dished out, the kids were absolutely scared to death of their new karate teacher. So much so that they would leave class crying, begging dad never to take them back. And of course after dad saw how the instructor taught, he pulled his kids out faster than you could say yame.

In the area where I live, this school wouldn’t last 6 months. There are about 30 martial arts schools within a 20 mile radius, and people vote with their feet when they’re not happy. But I guess in a small town with no competition you can run a dojo how you want. Where there’s nothing better, often people will put up with poor instruction and service so they (or their kids) can possess a sense of belonging.

This year I have a favor to ask you. No matter where you are in the world whether it’s a small town in the middle of nowhere or a big city, I ask you to  hold yourself, your instructors and your dojo to a higher standard. Be more patient with your students, give more than what is required, strive to improve your teaching skills, yell less, and always maintain your integrity.

These new seeds you plant will grow enormous fruit for you to enjoy.

Until next time…

- Jason

Instructor, Teacher or Coach?

Published on November 10, 2009 in karate coach, karate instructor and karate teacher. 3 Comments

Do you consider yourself a martial arts instructor, teacher or coach?

When I first started teaching karate I thought of myself as an instructor. Then a few years ago I decided I wasn’t an instructor anymore, but a teacher instead. And recently I’ve changed my mind again – I now see myself more as a karate “coach”.

While the differences may be subtle at first glance, the words you choose to describe yourself can have a great impact on the actions that you take, and how you are perceived by others.

Here’s why…

When you think “Karate Instructor” what’s the first thing that pops into your mind?

For many people it’s “drill sergeant” or something similar. The image is a hard-nosed, tough guy who barks orders, walks the lines and gets in student’s faces. This person dishes it out and has one volume level – LOUD! This type teaches at a group level, doesn’t accept any questions and teaches with intimidation. Students are mostly anxious when this person is in charge.

When you think “Karate Teacher” what do you think?

I think of someone who takes more time to explain the details than the instructor. Someone who is passionate about what they do. They’re approachable and encourage and are happy to answer questions.  I think of a teacher as someone who wants their students to learn and do well. Again this person teaches mostly at a group level.

Now think of the word “coach” and notice your first feeling that you associate with it…

If you’re anything like me you’ll probably associate “coach” with training someone on an INDIVIDUAL level, instead of group level, yes?

Obviously as karate sensei we need to be able to communicate at both group and individual levels, but too often instructors spend too much time with the GROUP and not enough with the INDIVIDUAL.

A good coach knows each of his students, their strengths and weaknesses, what they need to work on and how they receive and interpret information. An instructor in the context of this article, tends to communicate on one level and if the student fails, it’s their fault – not the instructor. But a coach tends to look at the situation differently. If a student isn’t up to standard, the coach is willing to share some of the responsibility for the student’s shortcomings and looks for new ways to improve their skill sets.

So which are you?

Instructor, Teacher or Coach?

And which would you rather be?

Until next time…