Class Dynamics - The Importance of Padwork in Class
Martial arts is evolving and changing
with the world around it. Curriculum' is now more dynamic and
innovative. If you're looking for a way to really bring your class
energy to the next level then I suggest incorporating some
kickboxing into your program. It can be very simple techniques like
jab, cross, hook, uppercut, elbows, knees, and leg kicks. If you
don't want make it part of your rank requirements then just add it
in everyday to your regular classes. But, I do highly recommend that
you use it one way or another.
I would make it a requirement that all new students and current
students have gloves. When you enroll new students, inform the
parents that gloves are one of the required pieces of equipment for
all new members. You explain to them that you as an instructor take
every precaution necessary to protect your students, and children
are not very good at making a safe fist. We do a lot of pad work
here and in order for students to be able to hit the pads, they must
meet our safety requirements. This is why I require gloves for all
new students, it's because I want to take every step necessary to
minimize the possibility of injury. Once you tell a parent this,
they will usually agree with you and will buy them on the spot. If
parents don't want to buy them upfront then let them be, you'll show
them on the floor that it is a piece of equipment that they need,
and not want. Here's what you do, during the ten minutes of pad
work, you have all students with gloves line up in front of pads and
the ones that don't line up in the x-ray paper line. Make sure the
x-ray paper line is in between two pad lines, so the students don't
feel like their outside the group. You could even have them punch
the air with no contact on the pad, and only make contact on the
kicks. Play with it and see what works best for you. I can not tell
you how many times after a students first class, a parent who did
not buy gloves came up to the pro-shop to buy them on the spot. It's
kind of like a parent signing up their kid for little league and not
buying them a glove. I guarantee that after the first practice the
parent would be at the sporting goods store buying a glove, not
because they want it, but because they see the need for it. If you
use them everyday then a parent will see the importance of them and
will not question the glove requirement. On my schedule I have
"bring gloves" under every class time, and new parents always ask
what that means. It's a perfect chance to sell merchandise. The
gloves will cost you anywhere from $7-$15.00 and I usually charge
$29.95 plus tax.
During the first ten minutes of every class, (after warm-ups) have
students hit focus pads held by instructors, wave masters, kid
kicks, but never have beginner students hold for each other. Learn
from my mistakes as a rookie instructor years ago. Have music going
in the background and you will see the energy level of your class go
through the roof. It's harder to put out a fire, than it is to start
one. It's a great workout, and it is new student friendly. I'm a big
fan of western kickboxing because the motions are very easy to
learn, and the techniques are age friendly.
Gloves are almost a necessity for all schools because they add to
the revenue of the pro-shop, the students get a practical
self-defense workout, and the overall energy of the class will rise.
Everybody wins! If you need help implementing this into your program
or just need some help with different drills, feel free to contact
me and I will be happy to help.
_________________
Darren A Gaitan
Associate Consultant
ChampionsWay
408-893-7023
darren@championsway.com
www.ChampionsWay.com |
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