Bullying in the Training Hall

[joesteph]

When I moved to London, I trained with a 7th dan ITF guy who I'd seen at a sports centre where I happened to play badminton, but it was too sports orientated for my tastes. I trained under a more old-school TKD master for a while, but an out-of-control 1st dan was encouraged because he was seen as useful to send to national events to knock around other dojang's students in a bit of political point scoring, despite injuring or scaring off a couple of the local colour belt students, and I lost respect for the master's priorities.

I saw a post by Tony under "Why did you choose to study" ( http://www.karateforums.com/post429381.html#429381 ), and thought this portion relevant to a question I had thought about but never did ask in the forums.

There can be a bully in the training hall, and he can be an adult or not. In fact, I remember when I took Tae Kwon Do some years ago that one of the women said to me that she disliked one of the female black belts because she felt that that (adult) person didn't exercise restraint--bullying?

I understand that there may be a number of reasons why a student who is a child may need to be reined in, from immaturity to a bellicose personality. What about teenagers? They aren't "children," they're young adults. I especially wonder about adults themselves, supposedly mature and understanding restraint, but there are those who know the techniques and don't give two cents for the virtues the martial art supposedly stands for.

I've considered that there are people who do not return because of these individuals, but just don't say it. Another reason (excuse?) is given, one that's more palatable--or just plain face-saving.

How do you, or the instructor(s) in your school, handle these different disruptors? Have you seen someone given too wide a berth because his/her martial abilities override the virtues in the instructor's eyes?

[Kruczek]

I have seen the senior instructor asked to leave because he scared off students being to hard on them (not bullying), so in my opinion if ANYONE is doing something you don't find suitable and you have equal stake as a teacher in the school...speak up.

We have had various bullies over the years - they get dismissed soon or later.

[isshinryu5toforever]

I have seen it, and it's hard to argue either way. I personally know some very physically gifted martial artists who aren't the best people.

They can be a bit overwhelming, but good instructors try to curb their enthusiasm. They put them with people who can handle everything they bring to the table. This can be difficult in smaller classes, or when the person is just that much better than everyone else. From my experience, what usually happens is they stick around, mainly for the stripes once they reach black belt, and then quit when they get "bored." Or, when their ego gets deflated by someone else. It can be difficult to deal with this kind of student, because their physical skills are so undeniable, and they're usually extremely dedicated to training. Some of them even turn out to be good instructors when they are more "tame." Any instructor who wants to see if they can mold one of these students into a calmer version of their talented self, needs patience and luck.

[sensei8]

How do you, or the instructor(s) in your school, handle these different disruptors?

I speak to the disruptor(s) one on one in my office, if it's a child, then I'll have the parent(s) present as well. Depending on the infraction, I'll give them one warning, after that one warning...suspension or dismissal. If the infraction is warranted, then immediate dismissal!

Have you seen someone given too wide a berth because his/her martial abilities override the virtues in the instructor's eyes?

Yes. That instructor was terminated immediately!

[bushido_man96]

In the schools that I have trained in, this hasn't been tolerated, and if the behavior is seen, it is dealt with.

I think it is important to have the talk first. If it doesn't sink in, then like Tony mentioned, sometimes they get dealt with on the floor. Sparring rules may get chucked out the window, and before you know it, you can have several students who are out of control. So, I think it best to try to talk it over with the one responsible, and find out what it is that they see on their end.