Helpful Tips Learning to Teach Karate Pt1

For some students of Karate there is a natural desire to want to to teach the art to others. There are also many that would not wish to follow that path, it is not always a natural progression.

For those that don't wish to teach, I would imagine you have given advice on certain areas of Karate training to fellow students. To me that is teaching. Sharing knowledge from past experiences. Whether you are in front of a large class or giving advice to your Karate friends when stood outside waiting for a lesson or grading to start.

Teaching is a big responsibility, you are indeed passing on knowledge that could indeed hurt the participant or someone else. Badly given information can be detrimental to the students progression. Teaching poor technique can lead to injury. You are also responsible for passing on information correctly that has been given by your Sensei. Think of karate techniques being passed like Chinese whispers, The student at the end of the line probably will end up doing something completely different to what you intended them to do.

In this article I would hope that I will pass on my knowledge & experiences from teaching over the years..

In most schools of Karate it is often the Sensei that starts the lesson, and hands over to a Senior (Sempai) to take the warm up. A lot of clubs will allow lower level grades to take the warm up, as this can promote confidence in the student. Often a daunting feeling, you will be filled with a huge rush of mixed emotions, with your sensei & Sempai watching your every move. They understand the pressure your under.

More often than not you will be given the opportunity because your Sensei thinks that :

1. You could cope with the pressure and not totally crack up.

2. Thinks that you will benefit from the task, building confidence. You will probably feel elated when the whole ordeal is over.

3, Most importantly you understand the the correct sequence of the warm up and can complete the task to a competent level.

4 (which you do not want to be in this category) You are over confident & show far to much arrogance when in class. Your Sensei will probably put you there to make sure you understand that you know, what you don't know.

I remember my first time being asked to take the warm up, I was 7th Kyu, which is about the time you should understand the sequence & purpose of the task. I was sweating as soon as my name was called out. Stood in front of a class of 40 or so, some Dan Grades & a watchful Sensei. I could feel my face burn red, & my mind was no where to be seen. Sempai in the line up, smiling at me. I thought they were laughing, but now I know, they had been there.

I got through it, although 10 minutes seemed like 30, All I could think of ,was whats the next bit, & when will my Sensei give me the nod to line the class up.. I think that's when my hair started to fall out.. I was only 20yrs & looking back I was quite cocky and full of myself..

Maybe I was Category 4. My first lesson in humility I think.

I often give students the opportunity to take the warm up, this has been met with some resistance from a few, refusing to step out in the class.  If you know your students well, you can pre warn those ones that you know that would struggle. Remember this is not a test but a learning curve for them. 

Always be around for them to see you, for security & reassurance. Never leave a novice in charge of your club.

I stand out of view of the students, so that you do not distract them from concentrating on the task. Though I do like them to feel my presence. I can also gauge the reaction of those receiving the warm up, is the message being received?

For those that take the warm up, think of a few key areas that are important.

1. Positioning, where you stand in front of the class is all important, If the class is lined up correctly, you should be able to see each and every student in front of you. So don't stand directly in the centre, facing someone, you wont see behind them. take a pace to one side.. Check your diagonal lines. Do you need to stagger the line up so giving more space to avoid collisions.

2. Be heard. Often shy students will talk to the floor, lift your chin up and project your voice over the heads of your students. Don't stand to far away, you want to be close. Especially these days when sports halls are shared with other activities. You`ll soon know if you cannot be heard. Students have that worried look about them, turn there ear towards you and lean in.

3. Don't go of on a tangent, Your not there as a drill Sargent, you not there to teach jiyu ippon kumite, its a warm up. & keep going until your sensei gives you the nod to wind up the class.

4.You must be in command of the class, don't ask the class to do something, followed by please. Tell them what it is they are doing. Stay in control, stay focused on the task.

5.Observe what is going on with every individual. Each person will have limitations, keep eye contact. This is important if you are looking for signs of feinting, fatigue & injury. Observe the area in which you are doing the warm up, are there any obstructions to avoid.

6. Remember your etiquette, giving and receiving.

Remember this is the early stages of becoming a teacher, working under pressure,every move you make being scrutinised by every person in the Dojo, including spectators.

Work on these few simple ideas before moving onto more complex lessons, which I will cover in my next blog.

I would love to hear your views regarding this  article.

Oss for now.