ROLE OF THE INSTRUCTOR

THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT - BUILDING SELF-ESTEEM
MANDATORY READING FOR MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTORS

Martial art training has been proclaimed, by many, to be a wonderful activity for both children and adults especially when directed toward building self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-discipline. If approached correctly, martial arts training can contribute significantly to a child’s faith in him or herself. This faith alone can open many doors. Unfortunately, some teachers don't help their students build self-confidence and that is due to their unskilled teaching methods, priorities or personal agenda. They basically weed out the students they feel, in their estimation, “just don't have what it takes.”

It seems much easier to train the genetically gifted to become champions than spend time with a child who requires a different level of guidance. After everything is said, a teacher doesn’t really teach; he or she provides information for the student to digest or spit out. How interesting and satisfying that information is will determine whether or not the information is retained. In the majority of cases, failure is not due to a student’s incompetence, but rather that of the teacher.

Students who need help most are often neglected or driven away by poor teaching methods. I am talking about children with low self-esteem or those not blessed with natural athletic abilities; in some cases just a matter of physical weakness or immaturity, overweight, or maybe just scared of contact sports! These children need our close attention and it is our responsibility, as teachers, to nurture them.

There are a few basic rules of teaching which will help turn students into champions. 

• The Rule of Graduated Demand 
• The Rule of Positive Reinforcement
• The Rule of Advancement   

Lastly, never underestimate the resiliency of students and their ability to bounce back from adversity. Inside the most timid soul rests a tiger ready to pounce. Provide the inspiration and path for him or her to follow and the tools to trigger their resolve to be the best they can be. Then you will have accomplished one of the most satisfying moments that a martial arts teacher strives for…that is the opportunity to observe your student match him or herself against an opponent and meet the challenge with success.