A workout regimine for the black belt/instructor

[bushido_man96]

I came up with an idea for a series of workouts as a black belt and/or instructor who doesn't get the opportunity to test as often as our colored belt counterparts.

What I have done is gone back and looked at the basic techniques learned at each belt level, starting with white belt. I made a workout based on those techniques, stances, and combinations, etc. As part of the workout, I practice the forms and one-steps for that rank 5 times each.

After the next testing that our school has, I will move on to the next rank, using basics and forms from that rank. I will continue on that workout until the testing cycle ends, and then move on to the next rank. A good way to keep up on the basics, which will, in turn, help with learning advanced techniques.

[cathal]

That's a pretty good idea. One of things we offer is an advanced class where the black belts can train, and our sensei does that as well. Us coloured belts are invited however we're exptected to work on our own or in groups w/o bothering the black belts as they train.

[bushido_man96]

That's a pretty good idea. One of things we offer is an advanced class where the black belts can train, and our sensei does that as well. Us coloured belts are invited however we're exptected to work on our own or in groups w/o bothering the black belts as they train.

That is an excellent deal. I wish our instructor would have a black belt class for advanced training, but when we do have it, it never last long. What is sad, is that between kids and adults, we have around 12 active black belts. And half of the time, our 'black belt' class turns into low rank forms review class. That is ok, but from time to time, we need something different.

[elbows_and_knees]

part of the problem with teaching is that you lose training time. There are things you can do though, for example participating with the class during drills.

when the class spars, alternate partners each round. make sure you get in the rotation.

if the class is shadow boxing, do it with them, but at the front of the class so you can still see them all and make corrections. When doing mitt / pad drills, work in with the students.

This and similar things not only give you a chance to train, but it gives you one on one time with each student during class. That should help them improve faster.

[cathal]

Something else to consider would be the sempai. Have them lead a few drills/exercises while you train. It will help you train and participate, and will help them learn how to teach.

[bushido_man96]

part of the problem with teaching is that you lose training time. There are things you can do though, for example participating with the class during drills.

when the class spars, alternate partners each round. make sure you get in the rotation.

if the class is shadow boxing, do it with them, but at the front of the class so you can still see them all and make corrections. When doing mitt / pad drills, work in with the students.

This and similar things not only give you a chance to train, but it gives you one on one time with each student during class. That should help them improve faster.

This is so true, and I like your ideas here. When I started teaching full time 5 or 6 years ago, I noticed that I was starting to lose a few things because I was so busy teaching and not training. So, I started getting to the school early to start working out myself.

It is definitely easier to work yourself into the adult class than it is with kids, in my opionion. Also, the higher the ranks of the class, the more you can work with them, because they are a little more independent at learning.

[bushido_man96]

Something else to consider would be the sempai. Have them lead a few drills/exercises while you train. It will help you train and participate, and will help them learn how to teach.

This is a very good idea, and a good way to start training some higher ranked students for teaching. If I had a little bit more freedom with the classes I teach, I would consider doing this. Great idea. Really good for advanced classes.

Another good idea for a black belt class that just popped in my head: tell each black belt that will be at the class to prepare an exercise and drill set or something like that, and tell them that they will have to spend 10 minutes of the class time teaching it, and helping the others to understand, and spend time correcting and directing. Man, I love this brainstorming stuff!