small kid, big distraction

[jaymac]

This has happened to me several times. I find that kids are just excited about being there or excited about whatever kids get excited about. Usually, I just tell him that I practicing and would he/ she like to practice with me. Usually works.

[cathal]

Something else to consider is that perhaps the child does not understand and is merely looking for attention. It may be a compliment that they are trying to speak with you and to get to know you. That young person may not be old enough to understand yet.

[tke010]

I have a student that did\does this to me.

While I was teaching, I asked the kids a question about one of their Katas. I picked this student to answer and he started telling me about his favorite video game and what level he was on.

I explained to him that now is the time for training and we could talk after class about his video game. I then selected a different person to answer my question.

I had the video game discussion after class.

I also told him that all discussions not releated martial arts will have to wait until after the hour we have for training.

He understood. He still does it once a month or so, but he is getting better. (He tries really hard when he trains for a 7 year old.)

He even brought in the game for me to borrow.

I thought this only happened to me

They are kids, so we need to be a little more tolerant with them.

They want to be your friend, which is a compliment (at least i think so)

He probably thinks your cool.

Just tell him to talk to you after class because you really need to pay attention to what you are doing\the instructor.

If he is in danger of getting hurt by walking into someone else technique, definitely tell the instructor immediately. There really should be no fooling around on the Dojo floor.

Good luck, be patient, talk to him. it will get better....

Keep us informed on your situation

[jaymac]

I think also you have to keep in mind that what you say to a child may last with them for a lifetime. Just think back to a person who may have insulted you or really hurt your feelings about something. I bet it is still vivid in your mind today exactly what was said. We have to remember that children are so impressionable and that some may have noone whom they can talk to. Practicing with them and then giving them that extra few minutes to talk to them after class might just make their whole day.

[blackxpress]

Give him a backhand and tell your instructor that kids and adults shouldn't train together.

Don't know about the backhand part but in our dojo jrs. don't train in the adult class.

[RichardHangHong]

Tell the jr student politely that you are trying to work on something and you would be more than happy to talk to him about stuff after class but right now you need to focus on what you're doing. If he offers to help at this point he's showing a mature attitude so ask his advice as this will take his attention away from what he may have been babbling about.

Like a few of the others have said, if he is a regular interruption to your training, mention it to your instructor.