THIS IS IMPORTANT :)

[y2_sub]

I have been asked to instruct karate in a summer school for 3 month ,two sessions per week , The kids are aged from 7 to 15 . I have no problem with thata since i instruct the junior class in our dojo and i have some experience about dealing with them .

Th eproblem is , i probably never gonna c them after 3 month so i am confused , shell i teach them kyokushin basics (pure white belt training ) or some other techniques to defend themsleves in a treet situation ( Mix between kyokushin and Aikido ) . I allready started with them this tuesday and they loved it .

REGARDS

[Armbar]

In your position, I'd teach them the basics. Its sounds like they want to learn. If they still want more at the end of the three months, direct them toward your school. If you've already taught them the basics, they'll have a three-month jump on training.

On the other hand, if they're not likely to continue past what you teach them, go with what they'll remember in a fight (whatever that may be).

Just my humble opinion.

[Zeke]

I suggest doing both Unless you aer going to visit them at there other studio...

[White Warlock]

Three months is insufficient time to teach them how to defend themselves. If anything, it will give them just enough exposure to cause them to 'hesitate' in a confrontation, and thus get injured... or just enough to 'show off.'

The goal here should be to 'spark' their interest in the arts, since it is a lifetime pursuit, not a summer school pursuit. Teach them the beauty of the arts, expose them to some great concepts, invite instructors from other schools to do a one day seminar, etc. Give them the opportunity to see the whole spectrum of the martial arts, and in the process you can feed them your own biased thoughts on kyokushin or aikido.

All in all, i would say pursue the white belt instruction format you are used to, and add in a periodic guest (as mentioned above) and a few days of 'special attention' to some of the unique aspects of kyokushin karate, or of some interesting concepts of aikido.

Again, try to remember that with students of that age, with that short a time, the goal is not to instruct them as much as it is to allow them to see their own 'potential' and to ignite the fire of their passions. They may not have any kindling, but if they do... it would be a shame to pass up such a great opportunity.

And when you're working with them, remind that they shouldn't try to 'apply' the skills you teach them (for self-defense), until those skills are 'second-nature' (which also means you might want to try and encourage them to study on their own time).

Good luck

[tkdBill]

And when you're working with them, remind that they shouldn't try to 'apply' the skills you teach them (for self-defense), until those skills are 'second-nature' (which also means you might want to try and encourage them to study on their own time).

Good advice! I always tell my beginner students to "run away" from a fight. It seems that many white belts have learned a few moves and think they are pretty tough. I have to bring them back down to reality.

--

[y2_sub]

Thanks guys ... I'll keep that in mind

[ShotokanKid]

Why not just do what they seem to respond to best? If they enjoy it, and it's not just killing time, why not?

[mantis]

i've had a TKD master that taught me 3 times a week.. every time i went it was as if im going to a totally different class for a different style...

teach both in two different days.. makes it more itneresting, i think!

[xtremartialarts1]

i hope i'm not too late. The purpose of you doing this summer camp is soley to bring more students into the school. What better way to get kids in the door of the school than to give them 3 months of fun and exciting classes. at the end, invite them all to your school with their parents and have them do one more class. you can even call it a party and offer pizza. Get them signed up there!