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I would like to clarify some areas of concern regarding your image to the
student body and how to handle certain methods of teaching, motivation and
student control. As you know, we've had a large influx of Juniors. It has
caused some stress on instructors and other students. It is difficult at times
to wear a black belt and live up to that special and expected level of loyalty,
expertise, and wisdom that students look to you for and are deeply and
profoundly influenced by. Indeed, you all have an extremely important role
in our community and especially to those who realize that the BLACKBELT
can help them live with some dignity.
Recall some of the students you have already met that were filled with the
lifelong fear of confrontation and how through time in our dojo with the
guidance of the BLACKBELTS learned to deal with it and sometimes actually
embrace their fears and turn it into strength. Yet another type of student is
one who has an average dull existence burdened with responsibility without the
reward of a personal adventure. An adventure that brings them to the brink of
understanding what powers are hidden in the human spirit. That is to say the
good and evil of all of us and what our ancestors encountered to survive
whether it be economically or physically Not to mention the ability to
discipline themselves to do things that seemed outside their realm of
understanding or courage.
Don't forget that young junior student who looks to you like a sports star and
mentor. They all need that good image to follow.
The desire to learn a philosophy and martial art in depth with personal
attention and guidance from the BLACKBELT is the single most motivating force
in recent history for people to seek an endeavor that is strenuous,
psychologically demanding and forever changing their understanding the nature
of things.
Do not under estimate your importance to every student who you have helped and
to those who were watching you from the side before or after class who copied
how you handled confrontation (strenuous workouts, sparring, detail improvement
of technique, your respect for the instructor, the struggle to make each class
even after many years of training, self denial of excuses for performance that
is sometimes not as good other times, criticism from myself and Sensei Kimura
and so on).
The survival of the dojo is dependant upon you and how the students perceive the
BLACKBELT - Some suggestions on what your duties are and how you can help.
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On a steady and reliable basis help teach at least one day a week letting
nothing come between that day and your assistance. This is the only way to
share the knowledge and attitudes you have attained with the upcoming students.
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Train with me once a week on a Monday, Wednesday or Saturday class.
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Support all of Mr. Kimura's training sessions and visit his regular class
frequently to occasionally as your schedule permits.
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Never bring yourself down to the level of behavior, understanding or attitude of
a student. You have the training and wisdom that they seek. However, never be
demeaning or disrespectful as they may be more wise in other areas such as the
president of a large corporation, professional or Senator etc. Never be
indignant, just be knowledgeable and confident about what you say and do. Don't
intentionally show or discuss your weaknesses or problems with them.
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Don't show aggravation just show disappointment if there is misbehavior,
disrespect or lack of effort.
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Treat students differently. Don't expect a 6 year old to know how to control
their blows or their energy or a female or executive to take impact or injury .
Just smile and control the situation.
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Break up large classes into small groups hopefully with some assistance from
brown belts. Make sure to do kata and ippon kumite for their requirements.
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Always before teaching any detail do some strenuous exercise such as basic
combinations, kata and calisthenics. Students may be uncomfortable at first but
if the above is done in moderation they will become accustomed to it. A good
gage is to get their heart rate up to a steady 140 per minute for 10 minutes or
more.
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Rather than sparring, teach timing training which is more controlled, safe and
developmental.
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Remember, Karate can be for everyone. But not everyone wants to break bricks
with their head or have their blood spilled on the mat. Those who are to do
just that are not the average citizen. Neither will everyone be in the same
physical shape.
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You are a leader. You must be kind and considerate as well as stern and
confident. There is a lot of responsibility to lead properly and make the right
decisions for the student training that is in their best interest to meet
safety as well as obtain the ability to survive combative situations. Help
teach from respect for what you can do to an attacker rather than have the
student fear you. Only your enemies should fear you, no one else. Of course
some students will mistake this kindness for weakness but to remedy that do
stronger techniques, kill the heated air around their body or demonstrate a
move that leaves them breathless. Be patient, they'll come around. Don't forget
you've been given a special power through your training that others don't have.
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The above is only a basic reminder of who you are, your duties and
responsibilities. I owe Sensei Kimura for much of my knowledge and I have long
ago pledged my loyalty to him and his way. This is not to say that I don't
question or create. Its a good life that we the BLACKBELTS can have with some
communications, continuous training and clear direction.
Bill Bressaw
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