Asked to teach a class...

[mindsedgeblade]

Bit of an odd situation. My (new) school's owner/head instructor/master is recuperating from an injury and is supposed to stay off his feet. I got there early, did my usual jump rope and stretch and basic technique routine. Time comes for class to start and the instructor calls me over and asks me to teach the class. Of children. One or two of whom outrank me, and a good number of parents are there watching.

Now, I'm a red belt and the new school has extended me the courtesy of recognizing my belt if not necessarily my rank. It is immediately prior to black belt in my old school. Equivalent to the new school's (WTSDA) midnight blue belt, so I'm taking a small step back. I know everything from the old school, but it's slightly different- Ki Cho Hyung instead of Sae Kye Hyung among other things. And I'm rusty. And I've just missed a week because I was traveling for work. And I've only been with them a month and a half. I have no problem helping out by holding pads and correcting on basics, but I know what I don't know, you know?

So I asked if anyone else could lead the class. I didn't realize, but apparently Saturday was a black belt run as prep for testing. So I was left as the only adult in class aside from the master. I didn't want to be rude, and I don't think I'd mind teaching adults, and the kids would follow me. But I don't want to screw up or take heat from the parents, or have the school take heat from the parents. Thankfully, he took the class and had me assist by doing things I was comfortable with- and would aggravate his injury- demonstrating technique, etc.

What would you have done?

[sensei8]

Sure, it was an honor that was being bestowed upon you. It's pretty cool that they thought enough about you to even consider you as well as asking you for your help.

I think, by what you've described, and I don't know you and/or your background and the like, I honestly believe that what you actually did was absolutely your best decision.

Have you allowed an opportunity to pass you by? No! Because of your decision, you'll be considered again in the very near future. If nothing else, your decision will be respected my those that matter; your Instructor and the parents. The parents might've, and I mean might've, been ok with it considering your experience and knowledge level, but why rock the boat of some of the parents. It's best to leave that alone.

You did right, imho, and you need to be commended for it because I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision for you to make at the last second.

[tonydee]

It sounds like the best outcome to me, particularly as you said some of the children are senior to you by belt. What happened had no risk of upsetting anyone, though only the master could know how seriously he needed to be off his feet. Then, such an experienced instructor must know ways to minimise his time standing and pick movements that are manageable. All's well that ends well.

Cheers,

Tony

[DWx]

I think you handled that well. I think what happened in the end would have been what I'd personally have been comfortable with too. I think its a bit much asking you to teach a lesson that you haven't prepared for especially given your circumstances you explained above. And since they were kids. Maybe in the future you could teach though?

[bushido_man96]

It sounds to me like you did the right thing. Its good to let him know that you weren't comfortable with it, and that he was able to utilize you as an assistant instead, which will help in building that comfort level up for the future.

[Dobie1979]

You did the right thing and its not strange with the way you felt. I would have been the same. I think it is quite a honor to have been asked to do it. Your teacher must have seen something in you and your ability.

[mindsedgeblade]

You did the right thing and its not strange with the way you felt. I would have been the same. I think it is quite a honor to have been asked to do it. Your teacher must have seen something in you and your ability.

I was definitely surprised, considering the number of times I've screwed up forms and advanced techniques.