Martial Arts Teachers - Getting The Best From Your Martial Arts Students

By Lee Mainprize
www.mainstructor.com
 
In order for your students to get the most out of their Martial Arts Training, they have to want to give their all during every class. Remember: we have to encourage each student to be his or her best and to reach their potential with realistic goals and lots of encouragement. Here are several techniques and principles that will help you as a martial arts teacher get the most from your students.

Public Praise Private Reprimand. If your goal is to ruin someone’s day and lower their self image, the fastest way to do that is to publicly humiliate them. Any kind of reprimand or disciplinary action should be given quietly and privately, away from the attention of others. It is said Love the sinner, hate the sin. Reprimand the student’s actions, not the student personally.

Tell them what you want them to do, not what you don't want them to do. It is impossible to concentrate on the negative of an idea. If I tell a batter not to get out, the first thing he thinks about is getting out; he thinks about not doing it second. It would be much more valuable to tell him to hit the ball. “Pay attention” could be replaced with, “are you with me?” or “does that make sense?” By the same token, instead of telling students what they WON’T get if they mess up, tell them what they WILL get if they behave. If you are not sitting straight, you won't get a turn, can be replaced with as long as you sit straight, you will be sure to get a turn

Set realistic goals, followed constant feedback. Students need to have a clear image of where they are going. It is important that each student sets specific goals. The instructor’s job is to help set these goals. Remember, each student has different strengths and weaknesses that should be taken into account. Feedback is the breakfast of champions. Once a goal has been set, constant feedback should be given to help keep each student on target.