Should young black belts instruct the adult class

[granitemiller]

In my old school whenever a youth received their black belt, it generally wasn't within two weeks when the parents pulled their child out of school. It seemed that they were there just to accomplish this task, and then they were moving on to something else.

[Kempohands]

In my old school whenever a youth received their black belt, it generally wasn't within two weeks when the parents pulled their child out of school. It seemed that they were there just to accomplish this task, and then they were moving on to something else.

I see this way too much. people don't understand that their black belt is an introduction, not a conclusion. I believe every other person that tested for black belt the same year that I did at my dojo except for maybe 2 other people have quit by now. Even if it's not the parents, many students, I find, get "bored" since they have to spend a lot of time at each rank of black belt and learn a small amount of "material." Really, to learn the formal curriculum (set techniques and forms) of 1st dan in my school could take about 6-9 months for someone training 3x/week, but they must stay at that rank for at least 2 years. Many students train with blinders on and don't realize how much they can learn not only from their instructors but also from themselves by dissecting the system and putting together concepts in new ways or by pulling apart forms and seeing new bunkai methodologies. I try to explain to lower ranked black belts that I rarely ever work on set material, and yet I always walk out of class learning something new, and I train 5 or 6 times a week. From an early age I've had a very conceptual mind, so when doors started opening to all of the intricacies of the system when I was a black belt, at only 13 years old (and not yet teaching adults ), I was hooked. Not everyone understands this though, and many leave without ever reaching beyond the basics...

"Congratulations on earning your black belts. Now you can start really learning!" -My Grandmaster at the conclusion of my first dan test. Apparently not everyone heard him...

[Killer Miller]

Here's my take on the subject:

Youths could teach a youth class - they can relate better to the youths and maintain a better attention span for the youths and sets an example for other youths to aspire to their level. It's also part of one's training becoming a black belt to teach, and the result of teaching is learning.

However, youths teaching an adult class. I don't feel they are mature enough, don't have the muscle mass to show adults appropriate speed and power, don't maintain the same level of respect, don't have the presentations skills needed on an adult level, don't have the vocabulary to relate to adults as needed, etc...

"Line up you old geezers - Now! Uh... Kid, Your Mother wants you on the phone - she said it's dinner time... Oh mom, I'm teaching a class!"

Of course just kiddin around on the above lol.

- Killer -

[bushido_man96]

In my old school whenever a youth received their black belt, it generally wasn't within two weeks when the parents pulled their child out of school. It seemed that they were there just to accomplish this task, and then they were moving on to something else.

I see this happen a lot, too. It is really quite sad. Some people just don't see what comes next, though.

[granitemiller]

I see this happen a lot, too. It is really quite sad. Some people just don't see what comes next, though.

Exactly. I feel that most parents treat it as a "goal" to accomplish, and then move on. Regardless of how many times it is stressed that the BB is just the beginning, it does not seem to register.

Perhaps they are thinking that wanting the kids to continue is just the school's way of keeping them tied in and earning revenue.

Really pretty sad, there is so much more that they will never see.

[Tiger1962]

I see this happen a lot, too. It is really quite sad. Some people just don't see what comes next, though.

Exactly. I feel that most parents treat it as a "goal" to accomplish, and then move on. Regardless of how many times it is stressed that the BB is just the beginning, it does not seem to register.

Perhaps they are thinking that wanting the kids to continue is just the school's way of keeping them tied in and earning revenue.

Really pretty sad, there is so much more that they will never see.

I find this to be very true.

[quinteros1963]

Last class I witnessed the reason why not. A 12 year old proved in his case at least that he did not have the patience or experience to help a much younger student a proper forward stance. It was easy for him to do so why couldn't the 6 year old. A kid for the most part does not have the maturity to instruct class in a dojo any more than he would teaching a class in high school. Remember one should be 3or 4 th dan to be an instructor and thier is no way a child should be allowed that rank. Thats what i've been taught any way.

again ok to assist and demonstrate, but not on his own, not for my time and or $$$

[Rateh]

I don't think that everyone would agree that one must be a 3rd or 4th dan to be an instructor. I started teaching the beginner kids class as a brown belt. And as a 1st degree in both my current school and my previous school I have had teaching responsibilities. I think that the requirement to be a 3rd or 4th dan is more of a school, organisational, or style thing, not a general martial arts thing.

[granitemiller]

I am going to create a new topic about what dan should an instructor be as I think this is a good question.

I think students should begin instructing from Green Belt (where they assist - maybe lead warmups, etc.)

Brown belt is where the most learning about being a "teacher" takes place. Once you make Shodan, you should be able to lead a class entirely.

Just my opinion.

[Killer Miller]

I don't think that rank is a big issue for teaching, it's more of what they know and how good of an instructor they are. Although, I don't think that Green Belt is ready for assisting as an instructor, however, I think Brown Belt is appropriate though...

- Killer -