New responsibilities

[mazzybear]

Having sat and passed 1st Kyu some months ago, training for Shodan has began in ernest for me. I've been enjoying it thus far. Last night after class had finished and we were lining out, my instructor informed me that the folk training for 3rd Kyu and onwards were to come to me with any questions or concerns regarding techniques and/or gradings. I have to say it was a bolt out of the blue for me and while honoured to be given such responsibility, for the first time I found myself to be a little bit scared. Does my instructor see something in me that I cannot see myself? Up until now any questions were to be directed either to himself or other Dan grades. Of course they will be keeping a watchful eye over me in this role and be ready to step in if required but I am to be their first port of call. I find all sorts of questions running through my head now, "am I ready for this?" "what if I fail these people?" "am I good enough?". I must mention that the people are all young teens.... for now, (some adults will be nearing 3rd Kyu soon) Of course my training for Shodan remains on course through this and questions I have, will be directed to the senior Dan grades. Is this all in preperation for my Dan grade? My confidence has grown immesurably over the last year, again, has this shown my instructor something in me which I cannot see in myself yet?

Any thoughts/perspectives on this would be gratefully recieved.

Mo.

Edited September 10, 2015 by mazzybear

[Luther unleashed]

Confidence is a tricky thing. I'm a confident person by nature but easily second guess as you are. You can never be incredible at all techniques. We all have our strong and weak points. if your instructor thinks your ready you are ready. Every day you attend class, this is the test, the day you "test" is really a day to show all you have already passed In Your Istructors eyes. That's always been my experience and as a teacher now, it is truth for me.

Don't overthink it, just focus on what you do, and think of what you do alone. I have seen many students choke under pressure, in the end, don't let the moment take your breath away, breath through it.

Good luck

[sensei8]

Yes, it is an honor to be selected by the Sensei for a "teaching" position on the floor...his floor. Just try to remember this...

Help those students assigned to you!! HELP!! NOT TEACH; that's the CI's responsibility!! Support and emphasis what the CI is teaching, don't try to steer students away from what he's trying to instill. Why? It might confuse the students, and it might undermine what the CI is teaching; two ideas are great as long as they're on the same page, and the CI is the author of the page.

Ci's sees a lot of things that students don't; understandingly so!! So, yes, your CI sees something of value in you, so please don't taint it by trying to TEACH...ASSISTING is what you'll be doing.

Remember when others your rank helped you when you were a Sankyu? That's what you'll be doing. If the CI wants you to do more, he'll explain that to you, and in that, don't assume a position that you're not qualified to possess.

Breathe, relax, and help those students assigned to you. They'll be looking at you for that help because the CI has told them to LISTEN to you!! Help those students find their own AHA moments; and you will.

You'll be just fine!!

[Spartacus Maximus]

When given such a heavy responsibility, it is a sign of trust and one will do well to honour it to the best of one's abilities. That is the best and only way to be worthy of it. An assistant should assist, but should also not be afraid to ask for assistance from others above nor should there be any hesitation to seek confirmation or reference from the instructor.

[Nidan Melbourne]

That is a big responsibility, but it is a good one to have though as it shows that he/she trusts you a great deal.

[mazzybear]

Thank you for the kind replies, guys. They have helped calm me down a bit. Having had some time to digest it, I'm feeling a little excited by the prospect, still scared but a good scared. Tonight will be the first class with these new responsibililties, so we'll see how it goes. I'll be sure and let you know how I get on. Again thank you for the kind words.

Mo.

[sensei8]

Thank you for the kind replies, guys. They have helped calm me down a bit. Having had some time to digest it, I'm feeling a little excited by the prospect, still scared but a good scared. Tonight will be the first class with these new responsibililties, so we'll see how it goes. I'll be sure and let you know how I get on. Again thank you for the kind words.

Mo.

Look forward to hear how your first day went!! BE CALM....GRASSHOPPER!!

[mazzybear]

So update time!

I loved it!! had a class last night (thursday) and tonight. Tonight was better because all 3 going for 3rd Kyu were there. I helped one guy who can't get a handle on Shuto Uke and another with cat stances with his foot pointing in the way (both during Kushanku) and also partnered with a girl to help her practice Kihon Ipponme. It felt good to see these guys listening to what I'm trying to explain and actually taking it on board. Two of them actually came up after class and thanked me, which was nice. I know it's not always going to be such plain sailing but I think it couldn't have got off to a better start.

Mo.

[DWx]

Congratulations on the extra responsibilities mazzybear. Your instructor must already have faith in you to have offered you the role. It will be a great way to get your feet wet teaching others and will really help cement your knowledge in time for your Shodan grading. They always say that when you can explain something to someone else, you can say you understand it.

[sensei8]

So update time!

I loved it!! had a class last night (thursday) and tonight. Tonight was better because all 3 going for 3rd Kyu were there. I helped one guy who can't get a handle on Shuto Uke and another with cat stances with his foot pointing in the way (both during Kushanku) and also partnered with a girl to help her practice Kihon Ipponme. It felt good to see these guys listening to what I'm trying to explain and actually taking it on board. Two of them actually came up after class and thanked me, which was nice. I know it's not always going to be such plain sailing but I think it couldn't have got off to a better start.

Mo.

Sounds great!!

In time, you'll see some AHA moments, from time to time. But what will get you...right here [me pointing to my heart], and it won't be denied, oh, you might try but it's hard to hide...what will get you will be when you see a student SMILE, when they figure out the darn thing that's been driving them crazy...THAT SMILE, oh, some will try to hide it, while others don't even try, but THAT SMILE will make it worth it all...THAT SMILE...becomes the exclamation point to training and to teaching!! A tear will be difficult to stop, but YOU WILL tear up for THAT student for THAT special moment; and it IS a special moment!! Many special moments will happen!!

This drives me teach...MY STUDENTS; they're everything!!