Tim Chilcott
10th March 2002, 14:00
In regard to teaching children, what do you guys think is a good age to start accepting students? I teach a small karate class that is mixed with children and adults. I find this challenging because the attention span of children is not as long as adults, yet I don't want the adults to feel like they are in a kiddie class by slowing down the pace. Pretty much we stick to a traditional training regimen in a relaxed atmosphere. If I had the time I would teach a children's class seperate from the adults, but unfortunately I do not have the time to do so. Another challenge is in the area of rank and promotions between children and adults. Typically, children promote at a slower rate than adults in our association, especially since a student has to be at least 16 years old to promote to Shodan. To keep kids interested we add extra stripes to the belt of all ranks below 6 kyu. 6 kyu and above promote like the adults. Some students may become discouraged when an adult of equal time in training promotes ahead of them. My sensei would reply to this by saying to the kid, could you beat this guy up? Sensei would also stress to the young students that maturity and minimium age requirements also play a part in promotions as well as ability and a good attitude toward training. This explanation I also use since it is the best I have, considering one can't go beyond what they have been taught. I have seen children become fine adult martial artists, so I believe there is a benefit to them in the dojo. I will admit sometimes I cringe a little bit when a new youngster starts, at least until they show promise, then I lighten up some. I'm very serious about training consistantly and not letting karate class be viewed as another time for amusement and play or as a cheap babysitting service. We are all in it because we want to be, but we all must bear in mind the seriousness of our training and what it is in it's basic element, a way of self defense. I hope I'm not rehashing an old thread too much, I just want different viewpoints to reference and increase my scope of awareness and knowledge.
Yours in the Way,
Tim Chilcott:karatekid
Yours in the Way,
Tim Chilcott:karatekid