Instructors who weren't star pupils

[The Pred]

So as we all know coming up in the martial arts can be difficult for some people. (It was for me at least). Do anyone here who currently teaches, as you were coming up not necessarily the best student. But because you stuck with it you improved. Do you feel that because you weren't always the best student that makes you a better teacher?

I.E. You're more understanding with people not getting stuff just as you had trouble.

[Nidan Melbourne]

I was never the star pupil or the best student. But I was always making sure that I was working the hardest to improve in technique and knowledge. But I know that doesn't make me the best teacher, what makes me a good teacher is learning how to teach the hardest things but in the simplest way possible.

[sensei8]

Good topic, The Pred!!

Yeah, I was the furthest thing from being a star student...at all ranks!! I was all thumbs with two backwards left feet. I was a master at just not ever getting it, and my AHA moments were akin to a dark room, but the AHA moments did occur in spite of myself.

But my persistency over the years has paid off, and I wouldn't have chosen a easier path if given the opportunity to do so. No...I'm content with my failures because, in time, those failures turned into victories.

[The Pred]

I started when I was 4 (was forced to) wasn't a fan when I was younger, but I guess I grew into it. I know my strengths and weakness, I'm not the most athletic or anything like that, but I like to consider myself a good instructor, who can notice things that others are doing right or wrong.

[ashworth]

I started when I was 5, growing up with karate it felt really natural to me, changed clubs a couple of times and always seemed to pick everything up pretty quickly, then when I became an instructor I had to learn all the mistakes and bad habbits that can be made so that I can help the students, I make a point of using this experience to reassure my students, that it doesn't matter how long it takes them to get it right or how many mistakes, because making those mistakes helps them gain the experience to be able to identify it later on if they end up becoming instructors or assistant instructors.

[Spartacus Maximus]

Never had natural talent and worse still, terrible coordination and was much slower to learn. However, after all this time I am still there and many "naturals" have given up or moved on to other things because karate was "too easy and boring". The only thing that makes a difference is how much one works to learn and improve, not the initial qualities one starts with so long as one never stops.

[The Pred]

Never had natural talent and worse still, terrible coordination and was much slower to learn. However, after all this time I am still there and many "naturals" have given up or moved on to other things because karate was "too easy and boring". The only thing that makes a difference is how much one works to learn and improve, not the initial qualities one starts with so long as one never stops.

Very true

[DWx]

I think mediocre students can sometimes be better teachers. Having seen plenty of people make the move and transition from student to instructor, those that are naturally really good just sometimes don't get why a particular movement or concept can be difficult for us mere mortals to grasp. Teachers that struggled themselves I feel have a much deeper understanding of the mechanics and methodologies as they had to learn to compensate for poorer ability.

[Spartacus Maximus]

There is always a wide gap between merely being able to do something well and understanding why and how to do it well.

[JR 137]

I think you have to define "star pupil." Do you mean athletic ability, catching on/understanding quickly, or willingness to learn?

I'd consider a star pupil someone who is genuinely coachable; they listen, ask relevant questions, and try their hardest to implement what's being taught.

I've met a ton of excellent athletes (not just in MA) who weren't coachable. They could easily do what they were told, but pretty much always thought they knew better and/or didn't have to listen. I wouldn't call them star pupils.