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Home » Blog » Seven Lessons I’ve Learned Since Becoming A Martial Arts Instructor for Kids

Seven Lessons I’ve Learned Since Becoming A Martial Arts Instructor for Kids

May 28, 2011 By Sensei Matt Klein

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Kids karate lessons

Kids learn martial arts in different ways. It is the instructors job to discover how best to reach a child.

I’ve spent the last two decades teaching martial arts to children. There have been many days when I got in my car after class, and said to myself, “I don’t think I reached anybody today”. Other days I drove home with a beaming smile on my face, knowing I made a big impact that day on the life of a child or two. Luckily those kind of days outnumber the others. Here are some of the lessons I’ve learned about teaching martial arts to kids.

All kids learn at a different pace.

Some students pick up the technique the first time you show it to them. Other students might require you to explain it ten times before they understand. This does not make them stupid. People just differ in the way they process information. I am a slow learner, for example, but once it is in my “hard drive”, I very seldom forget it. Many fast learners I know are not able to retain information like I do. We all have our gifts.

All kids learn in a different way.

In a class of twenty children, most will learn visually. That is, by watching. You show them a move, they watch, and they learn best that way.

Another group, usually a smaller number, will hear instructions and pick it up that way. They are audio-inclined, and learn best by sound.

Still another group will have a difficult time with visual and audio instructions. They are tactile-oriented. If you lift their foot and place it in the proper position for a kick, and actually take them through the motion of the move, they will pick it up.

A good instructor will be sensitive to the different ways in which children learn. If you are having difficulty reaching a particular child, often times their mother or father can shed some light on the best way to reach them.

There are many ways of doing the same technique.

There is no wrong or right in many cases. For example, there are two ways of throwing an axe kick. It might be done straight up and down, which is the traditional way. It may come up in an arcing motion, like a crescent kick. The way in which the student feels the most natural is the correct way for them. There is no black or white in this area, unless the student is doing a move in an unsafe way.

If you are patient enough, every child will get it.

Never give up on your students. As we saw above, students learn at a different pace. You must encourage them until they understand the movements of any particular technique or kata. If you give up on them, it sends a message that it is okay to give up. You must walk the walk if your students are to follow your example.

If a child is late to class, it is probably not their fault.

Children don’t drive cars. They have little control over when they get to class. I have heard stories about instructors making kids do push-ups for being late. That is just plain wrong. Just let them bow in and join the class. If you are doing something with fast moves, like high kicks or sparring, they should warm up first. Also please read my post on exercise as punishment.

Recognition and praise is the best motivator.

I have learned that praise and recognition is the most effective way to get results. Kids and adults respond best to recognition. Gifts or other material objects only produce very short-term results, and send the wrong message in many cases. We should strive to do what is right, not what will result in our obtaining a reward.

The sensei sets the tone for the entire club.

By treating people with kindness and respect, you will create a club that attracts people who value those qualities. By the same token, if you show no tolerance for lack of respect amongst your students, you will repel disrespectful people. I am okay with that.

What lessons have you learned about martial arts for kids?

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Filed Under: Teaching Martial Arts to Kids

Comments

  1. Max walker says

    June 4, 2011 at 7:26 pm

    My name is max Maclean Walker and Matt has taught. Me self defense only.

  2. Sensei Matt Klein says

    June 4, 2011 at 9:11 pm

    Hi Max! Thanks for commenting, and I am so glad you know the true meaning of the fist and shield–self defence only. You are one of the first of my students who have commented on my blog. That is a very big honour. Well done!

  3. Michele says

    June 8, 2011 at 8:39 pm

    Another great post!

    “The Sensei Sets the Tone” – There are days when I don’t feel like teaching, am tired or feeling rushed. However, I know that I must change my attitude when I walk on the dojo floor.

    What have kids taught me? Teaching the kids class has made me a more creative instructor.

  4. Sensei Matt Klein says

    June 8, 2011 at 10:51 pm

    Thanks Michele! So true, sometimes it is hard to get pumped for class when you are not in the mood. But you always manage to get motivated.

    The kids force you to innovate because their attention span is so short. A lot of the games and drills can be adapted for adults and be great fun.

Trackbacks

  1. Martial Arts News – 6.4.11 | Striking Thoughts says:
    June 5, 2011 at 3:58 am

    […] Sensei Klein shares what teaching children has taught him. I’ve spent the last two decades teaching martial arts to children. There have been many days […]

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mihir-joshi-kenpo-freestyle-sydneyOver the years, through Karate, I found that my confidence and self-esteem levels had sky rocketed to heights I never thought it would go. I thank Sensei Matt, and all those who have helped me in Karate, for helping me understand such values in a fun and social learning environment.
Mihir Joshi

See our Karate Success Stories Page for Mihir's story.
09/01/2014
Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
mihir-joshi-kenpo-freestyle-sydneyOver the years, through Karate, I found that my confidence and self-esteem levels had sky rocketed to heights I never thought it would go. I thank Sensei Matt, and all those who have helped me in Karate, for helping me understand such values in a fun and social learning environment.
Mihir Joshi

See our Karate Success Stories Page for Mihir's story.
09/01/2014
Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
Friendly yet disciplined approach towards karate at Australia’s Youth has helped enormously. It enabled Mihir to build a sense of belonging and improved his motivation to excel. It’s amazing how learning the Martial Arts helps build confidence and improve overall personality.
Yogendra Joshi, father of Mihir JoshiImage
09/01/2014
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I like Karate because it is really fun and I love going on the weekend to see all my friends and Senseis. Karate makes me feel safe because I don’t worry about bullies at school because I know they can’t really hurt me.Tyvian-Macfarlne-Kenpo-Freestyle-Sydney
Tyvian Macfarlane

See our Karate Success Stories Page for Tyvian's story.
09/08/2014
Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate
The confidence karate has given Tyvian is amazing. He is takes pride in himself and he has matured. The focus, confidence and discipline he has gained through karate has transferred to other areas of his life such as educational tasks, looking after younger children both in and out of his family and demonstrating empathy for others.Robert-Macfarlane
Robert Macfarlane, father of Tyvian Macfarlane
09/08/2014
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I owe my confidence, strength, fitness and leadership skills to Karate. It has taught me to persist with everything and that the only way to improve is to try harder.Adam-Loader-Kenpo-Freestyle-Sydney
Adam Loader

See our Karate Success Stories Page for Adam's story.
09/01/2014
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Look at what you have achieved Matt, we can’t thank you enough for your contribution to shaping these two young men. We are often complimented about the maturity of the boys and we know their Karate has played an important part in developing that maturity. Brings a tear to my eye!
loadersRobert Loader, father of Adam and Jacob Loader
09/01/2014

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