How can I help this student?

[sensei8]

Hey Do-Gi,

I have a three prong approach, first off you need to talk to her and remind her that she got hit, but she is not dead! She did not get so hurt that she could not train and that she is fine now. Getting hit is not the end of the world, its just proof that she needs to train so she does not get hit.

Second, hit her again...alot...with a boxing glove on...a thick boxing glove....and not that hard! This is the old school part of my training idea by the way and not for everyone but read on. I got hit alot as a yellow belt, I was seven mind you and it was the early 80's (well mid seventies okay...but I dont want to age myself that much...maybe I should have said 90's.....) anyways, the point being I got hit in class and was really upset so my father took me out side with his old boxing gloves and made a point of jabbing me in the face a bunch of times....he did this for a week every day. He then said " are you dead?" My answer was no and I actually got used to being "zapped" a few times and it helped with my Karate because I was not mentally scared of it anymore...I knew it stung and I knew I did not like it, but it was not as big a shock to my system. Now keep in mind this was a long time ago and we dont recommend doing this with a seven year old again....especially with CFS rules being the way they are.

The third way....More Kumite with LOTS of different partners. She needs to get used to different timing, speed, power, sizes, and people. Make it a challenge for her to get past the fear.

None of this is to be cruel. The truth is the first time I got hit on the job when I used to be a door man at the bar I did not flinch, I took the guy down and choked him out. My fellow workers were shocked I did not react by freezing as I told them I had never been hit doing any kind of work. The sense of security that she will get knowning that if she is attacked she wont freeze will be worth the minor discomfort of a few odd punches to the face.

Now all this is in moderation and built up over time. Dont get some light boxing gloves or mma gloves and try to KO her. I am saying light taps with a soft glove and build up to a nice jab feeling that wont KO her but keep the baggy glove. Then throw her in with lots of people for Kumite.

Karate should be fun but it has a practical side as well.

I've my own ways to teach students who've exhibited same said problematic mannerisms. However, what kensei is advising is very solid, and not as barbaric as mine.

Patience is an instructors ally...always!!

[kensei]

I've my own ways to teach students who've exhibited same said problematic mannerisms. However, what kensei is advising is very solid, and not as barbaric as mine.

Patience is an instructors ally...always!!

Nothing wrong with being a little Barbaric, this is Karate!

[kensei]

I remember years ago a Orange belt got hit by a green belt during testing. The Green belt was asked to spar with the lady Orange during one step and she got "bopped" a bit on the chin. It shocked her and she pretty much shut down. The testing was over anyways but she did not line up with the rest of us, she ran to the bathroom to cry....she was in her 20's and not a little kid but it shook her up.

Sensei's wife ran into the bathroom to look after her and "coddle" her. Sensei got very upset. He said to those of us hanging around "this is Karate, we are here to create warriors that can take care of themselves when under pressure....be it a fight or at work being bullied"! He stormed off and told his wife to go to the office area and make a phone call. Most of us seniors that stuck around heard him tell the girl that she needed to get used to pressure situations and getting hit. He was sorry that it scared her but it was good for her.

That Orange belt girl became very good at Kumite after that and she learned and grew from it. I actually tagged her once in Kumite when she was a brown belt and she just kept going.

We have to get used to these things and not shrink from them.

[Safroot]

I remember years ago a Orange belt got hit by a green belt during testing. The Green belt was asked to spar with the lady Orange during one step and she got "bopped" a bit on the chin. It shocked her and she pretty much shut down. The testing was over anyways but she did not line up with the rest of us, she ran to the bathroom to cry....she was in her 20's and not a little kid but it shook her up.

Sensei's wife ran into the bathroom to look after her and "coddle" her. Sensei got very upset. He said to those of us hanging around "this is Karate, we are here to create warriors that can take care of themselves when under pressure....be it a fight or at work being bullied"! He stormed off and told his wife to go to the office area and make a phone call. Most of us seniors that stuck around heard him tell the girl that she needed to get used to pressure situations and getting hit. He was sorry that it scared her but it was good for her.

That Orange belt girl became very good at Kumite after that and she learned and grew from it. I actually tagged her once in Kumite when she was a brown belt and she just kept going.

We have to get used to these things and not shrink from them.

Nice post .... It's always good to make pressure your ally that push you more