Pedagogy in Karate

[simon]

Karate differs from other sports in that it's the norm for everyone to be a karateka for life - you don't give up training as you approach middle age and move into coaching. You keep training and you keep pushing back the boundaries. That's what karate is all about. Now, if an instructor isn't very good themselves then I ask myself why? If they really do understand what it takes to be good, then why aren't THEY good? If they can't teach themselves then obviously they can't teach me either

I agree 100% but there are far too many armchair karate instructors out there. You're only as good as your last training session as far as i'm concerned. Yes instructors may be restricted by their body types and perhaps health and injuries to the level they maintain/attain but they still have to be able to walk the walk. The first black-belt I ever bought fits me and hangs the same length as it did 18 years ago, unlike some of the instructors around today who's belts resemble a bow-tie!!!!

As far as teaching is concerned - make them sweat, make them laugh and lead by example. Explain it well but demonstrate it better. Know when to mix it up and throw in the odd gem to keep all levels interested and inspired.

I agree with Paul here completey your their to inspire and show/demonstrate the techniques efectievly and to do this you must be in regular training yourselves. Knowlegde is very important more so is to show your still working hard to maintain standard also. Graet point Paul couldnt have out it better myself

[Paul Bedard]

A lot of good points here & I hope it`s O.K. to add my two cents worth.
Master Yaguchi has told us in instructor trainee class that we owe it to our students to be constantly improving ourselves, as their teacher/ role model they deserve the best that you can give them.
Here are some points thar are common in the instructor training that I have done in many fields: I hear, I forget; I see I understand; I do I remember We should: Demonstate, Describe, then they Do
Keep it simple to begin with, then go from a simple to a complex; Go from a known to a Unknown. I like to limit my coaching to three points as I have found that to much info to soon is overwelming. 3 points basic hand techniques, 3 points kicking, 3 points sparring, 3points on kata.
I certainly believe in the sandwich effect; Positive, Needs improvement, Positive. `Your back stance is sure improving, make sure you keep the front knee bent & plant the center of your front foot, good spirit I can see your trying hard`.
Plan what you want to teach: Failing to prepare, is preparing to fail
There are: Must Knows, Need to Knows & Should knows, as time goes on they can learn; Like to knows, Could knows & Would knows. Above all be honest, if a question comes up that you don`t know the answer to, admit you don`t know but you`ll do your best to find an answer
Paul B

[fujicolt]

I hear, I forget; I see I understand; I do I remember Exclamation

Paul - go back and see my comments on AUDIO - VISUAL AND KINEASTHETIC LEARNING. I think you are being too defined in your list above. we are all different and as Instructors we should NOT assume a student follows a particular process to learn well. Not my opinion here - researched fact

as i have stated the research shows that we all have a tendency to lean towards two processes.

your line is a student who leans towards V and K

but others may be A and K or A and V etc etc

with practice and by asking students we can tailor instruction to better suit each individual rather than lumping them all under one process.

Please do not misunderstand - your flow IS VALID but only for V and K types and not all are