blackbeltbabe348

Wrist grabs may also be used to teach the basic mechanics of how using leverage or recognizing weak points can be used to your advantage. I know we cover this when we are talking about self-defense because it's great and all if you can follow along like a puppet in class, but if you don't understand why something works to make it effective, then I believe you are wasting your time. I agree that people don't use wrist grabs as much (especially static ones where the attacker just stands there) A wrist grab isn't completely useless though, it is a way to change a person's body balance, a way to physically try and move them or it can serve merely as a handle for the attacker to use for control (whether it be to either to make sure you can't block very well or use it for other things like locks and breaks) So I really don't think we can throw away wrist grabs as being useless to do or learn to defend against.

I've been teaching our 4,5 & 6 year olds for quite a while now. First of all, don't underestimate what they can do. However, you have to keep your class fast paced and with a high energy level. I never spend more than 4 minutes on a particular drill or section of class because they have attention spans the size of a gnat. Who cares if you didn't get all the kicks in, go to something else and then come back to it. Also disguised repetition or adding something fun to your normal drill will keep them tuned in to your class. You as an instructor have to be animated and vary up your pitch and voice level. Make class fun and exciting not only for the kids, but the parents as well (they are a very important audience as well!!!) One last thing to end off with it: I often see that too many instructors get too focused on the technical aspect of the karate class. First of all, this age group doesn't quite have the motor skills and are still developing. Second of all, more than likely Mom and Dad want their kid to develop focus, respect, self-discipline, etc. The martial arts is merely just the way to teach all those qualities in a fun way. So what if they don't know the difference between a front kick and roundhouse or when they try to do a form ithey looks like a cat in a bathtub, but if they used self-control- stayed on their feet and showed self-discipline for keeping their hands up then it's a successful day. Have fun with it, even though this group demands a lot of energy and wears me out they are one of my favorite and most rewarding groups to teach

I totally agree what you guys are saying. Instructors shouldn't have to put the fear of god in the students in order for them to respect them and perform in class. It really goes into how an instructor motivates their students whether it be (I hate to bring a old saying into it) with a carrot or a stick. The stick will work, but the carrot will make much happier students. I believe it shouldn't even be a big issue for the instructor to gain the students trust and respect. Instructors are leaders. As long as the students feel you truely care about them and you set a positive example then it's only natural for them to make you their "superhero" so to speak. Instructors should inspire their students, not scare them.[/b][/color]