The dojo kids

[Kieran-Lilith]

Well, I really don't know where to put this. So here it is.

I've been in the dojo for two years, about, and there have never been very many girls. I've seen quite a few come and go, but very, very few have ever stayed on. In the two years I've been there, I've become second highest ranking girl, and oldest non-adult girl. Now, we have some younger girls in the dojo, and they look up to me. It's a new experience, and I enjoy the feeling. There's only a few younger girls, maybe six at max right now, and I've noticed of few of them will watch me and copy me, and they'll want me to check over their kata and teach them new terms for testing. I love these kids, and even some of the boys come to me sometimes. Really, I'm honored the kids seem to think so much of me.

So, it was kind of random, but I thought I'd share. If anyone wants, they could share stories of this general nature. I also though I might want to ask if anyone had advice for people unused to having impressionable kids (several with apparently low self-esteem) look up to them.

[danbong]

I think it's great that you are becoming a role model and mentor. I hope it leads to many females sticking with it and progressing at your school.

[Sohan]

I enjoy training kids. They can be a challenge, but I've really grown in my own MA training as a result of my experiences with them.

Glad to see you're having a good experience. We need more role models like you!

With respect,

Sohan

[bushido_man96]

It sounds like you could be an instructor in the making. It is good that some people are recognizing you for your abilities. In my opinion, this is one of the most rewarding feelings that you can get from the martial arts. The fact that you can leave a lasting impression on a few individuals speaks volumes as to what you are capable of doing.

The important thing to do with kids with low self-esteem is not give them false confidence. Don't praise them for something they can't do, and know they can't do. Praise them when they make an obvious improvement, or when you see them get something the way you want that first time. Also, find something they do excel at, and praise it.

This should help to start building their confidence in new things.

[Rateh]

I think it would also be very good for them if you could come to their tests. It would probably mean a lot to them, if you showed your support and pride in their achievements in this and other ways.

I also agree that it sounds like your an instructor in the making. I dont know your rank, but maybe as you get higher up you could speak with your instructor about training towards that, if thats something that you would want to do.

[Dont call me Sir]

Fantastic! This is the true spirit of martial arts.

Really, I'm honored the kids seem to think so much of me.

I think the kids should be honoured to have such a good role model and I hope your instructor appreciates your work.

Keep up the good work.

DCMS.

[patusai]

Nice going! Perhaps your leadership and understanding can foster the girls to stay longer and perhaps reach black belt and beyond. As a role model you really have the chance to make a differrence for the girls. Just keep on doing what you are doing. Good luck to all.

[Kieran-Lilith]

Thanks for all the feedback!

I agree that being able to leave an impression on the kids and help them learn is one of the most rewarding feelings I've ever had, especially when I can watch the light switch turn on in their eyes.

I try to help out with the kids as much as I can, but we have a few higher ranking people, and they normally work with the kids while I work with the adult group to practice and learn stuff.

Really random, but I was really proud of one girl on Thursday. She's a white belt, she went up to that bag and she showed up every other boy in that line, even the fifth kyu. She's one I'm helping to study for her yellow belt test. Of course, the way I work, she'll know everything she needs to know for the test after that, but...hey, no harm in being ahead.

Our kids test during class, so I'm always there, but I don't get to sit/stand and watch. Normally if it's testing night, I'm helping out with one of the kata groups or sparring rings.

I'm a fifth kyu, so I am expected to help teach and be able to teach on my own sometimes. I don't teach often, though, because there's usually a black belt or two around plus a few brown belts.

One of my greatest hopes is that myself and a few other girls will get black belts in our style. I have yet to meet a single female black belt in our style, and I actually don't know if there are any female BBs.

[ps1]

Thank you for your commitment and dedication to the arts.

[SaiFightsMS]

Keep up with what you are doing. And find little ways to offer tips to the junior girls coming up behind you. It will make a difference for them. And you will get something from it as well.

Sai