Shy Instructors

[sensei8]

How many KF members are shy? I am! It's the bane of my existence at times. However, in familiar venue's, I'm very much at home, but even then, I can be shy for a moment at hand.

So, how does being shy work when you're the instructor??

[MasterPain]

I'm a shy and private person, but that does not apply to martial arts. I'll talk and demonstrate to anyone with an interest.

[jassling]

Deleted.

Edited June 26, 2011 by jassling

[still kicking]

Interesting how everyone who has posted on this so far has claimed to by shy or introverted. I don't know what, if anything, that means in terms of MA's. As for me, I am definitely introverted as well, but when I am standing up in front of the class, my passion for the art overrides all. Also... I think in general I am mostly shy when I am in a situation where I don't know what to say. I mean in a situation where there seems to be no point, other than small talk. I am really bad at small talk! I do fine in staff meetings at work, or in class discussions when I was in school, but I hate being in situations when I am supposed to just be witty and charming and light. I often find myself standing there introspecting and asking myself what the heck I am doing there. I think part of what I love about karate is that pretty much everyone there has the same passion and excitement about it, so we have a natural way of connecting.

[GeoGiant]

I'm not shy. At times I'm sure people wished I'd shut up.

Seriously, I wouldn't have a problem with a shy instructor was long as they weren't shy about instructing.

[sensei8]

I'm not shy. At times I'm sure people wished I'd shut up.

Seriously, I wouldn't have a problem with a shy instructor was long as they weren't shy about instructing.

GeoGiant, It's the same for me inside the martial arts world; people wish I'd shut up...take a deep breath...do something....but please...shut up!

Once the curtain is open and the spot light is upon me to instruct, I'm not shy about instructing. It's the world OUTSIDE of the martial arts that I'm quite shy. It's a wonder I'm married and a father.

[Lupin1]

I realize this thread is a little old, but it's still on the 1st page, so still fair game in my eyes.

I'm an ENTP, so I'm technically an extrovert, although just barely (I usually get just a few percencentage points to the extroverted side). That said, most ENTPs tend to not like to talk all that much in many situations. I can get that way if I'm teaching something I find boring or if I'm teaching someone with a personality much bigger than mine (I've never taught Martial Arts, but I'm a teacher by profession and also train several people a day on amusement park ride operation at my summer job).

I think it's very important to note that there's a difference between shy and quiet. Shy people are afraid. Quiet people just don't feel like talking. Someone who's shy is going to have a very hard time being a confidence-inspiring presence as an instructor, but the "strong silent type" can be very effective if they play their cards right.

[Jeffrey]

I have found that shy instructors are sometime the best one on one people. They don't do well teaching a group but once you get them to work with students one on one they shine bright.

[jafo150]

I used to be but the more I taught the easier it became.

[bushido_man96]

I'm fairly shy most of the time. Conversation isn't always a strong suit for me. But in class, I tend to do ok. Its easier when I shout out technique, the students do it, and I comment, correct, or whatever.