trainig with lower/higher ranking students

[karatekid1975]

My new dojang is very small. We all train in one class. But in my last dojang, they had the classes split. Beginner, intermed, advanced. Then on saturday was mixed. The only problem with a mixed open class like that is the advanced students are always asked to help with something with the lower ranks. I didn't have a problem with that unless I was learning a new form. I didn't have time to do so. And the advanced class during the week was so short that I didn't get much time then either. Thank goodness that my new dojang as 1 and a 1/2 hour classes. I can help others and still have time to learn new stuff.

[bushido_man96]

I think I like the sound of 1 and 1/2 hour classes the more I hear about them.

[Zorbasan]

1.5 hour classes are the perfect length, long enough to get stuff done, but not so long as to drag

also, for senior belts working with junior belts also helps them from an instructional point of view.

[RichardHangHong]

In our classes most of them are mixed grades, but I have 2 classes that are specifically for 6th kyu and above, 1 night kata, 1 night kumite and also another class for brown and black belts only. It's good training with mixed grades, but it's also good having an only high grades class. The atmosphere intensity is considerably higher/different in those classes.

[KarateK]

We have mixed grade classes primarily 2 nights a week.

We have one beginner session which is up to 5th kyu. Any higher grade is welcomed in the class under the proviso they help instruct. This helps them inturn build their confidence for when they dan grade.

We also have a senior class one night a week, again, lower grades are welcomed but understand that basics are not really gone into on these lessons.

At the end of the day it doesnt really matter who has a higher grade - we all have things to learn from each other.

[PlasmaShock]

I agree 200% on the last statement of your post.

[RichardHangHong]

I second that. Always keep a white belt mentality

[MisterRadley]

At the end of the day it doesnt really matter who has a higher grade - we all have things to learn from each other.

I agree.

[bushido_man96]

I second that. Always keep a white belt mentality

This is a great statement. Many high ranks don't think like this. It is important to always approach each class with a fresh mind, so that you can always find something new to learn.