Teaching Concepts Throughout my evolution Goju-Ryu has become an art of expression through technique and movement on the personal level. I believe a good Sensei assesses your qualities and finds the best, I believe that we as Sensei’s can have a profound influence on our student’s self-concept and outlook on life. Karate to me is and education and I try to convey useful lessons of living through lectures and movement. Teaching is an art of communication.
The important thing is not what a Sensei knows, but what his students know; not what he can do, but what they can do.
The definition of teaching is to present material in a competent manner, which causes the desired learning to occur. The reason people teach Karate vary, but one of the most important reasons is to accept responsibility to develop leadership and other skills necessary to improve the quality of the practitioner in the next generation. Much effort and self-discipline are required to develop these skills. But learning to care for and to lead others will develop character and make life meaningful.
Since knowledge and information in the civilized world has come from work of people whom lived before us, there is an obligation to those who come after. Understanding this will develop a strong respect for seniors and a strong feeling of responsibility for juniors. This responsibility to juniors or future generations is an obligation to posterity.
The how to teach format of the World Sansei Koryu Gojukai Karatedo Organization will be broken down into four parts;
Human relation skills, knowledge of contents, planning skills, and instructional skills.
Human Relation Skills
One of the most effective ways to teach is by becoming a living example. For this reason, the instructor needs to be a positive role to the student. This position is necessary for the instructor to influence and build the students character and life. To further the responsibility, the instructor must realize that every time he/she is in contact with the student, whether or not he/she is in the Dojo. His/her actions make a big impression. Both the young and older students need a living example. An instructor is much more effective if the adult has respect for the instructor’s personal habit and lifestyle.
When dealing with parents of a student, the instructor must understand that they play an important part in the teaching team. It is a good idea for the instructor to explain to the parents the goals and teaching methods he is using. This is necessary for the parents to know they can encourage the child and help assist is the learning process. Parents must realize the benefits and the reasoning of the rank system; the parents must also realize the benefits of individual and class discipline. The support of the parents is critical in achieving optimal progress of the student. It is the instructor’s job to communicate this to the parents so that they fully understand their role as a member of the teaching team.
Class management skills are equally important in developing a professional teaching style. The Instructor is most effective when he/she controls the emotional climate of the class. The following skills can generate and maintain motivation in the students and their desire to learn:
1. Set the attitude and tone of the class.
2. Create a positive atmosphere.
3. Use a personal approach.
4. Set direct goals.
5. Give thoughtful feedback to student response.
6. Give praise.
7. Give positive correction rather than criticism.
8. Refer to the student by name.
9. Teach the concept of personal achievement.
Knowledge or Content
Planning skills
All daily instruction should be directed towards the physical (rank) advancement and mental development of the student. The Sansei Organization has a carefully planned progression of techniques desired to be at the student’s current level and to aim toward more advanced technique exercise that can be taken directly from the Kata at his/her level. The Sansei Organization also gives planning guides to make the best use of class time between testing. The planning guides begging by setting the individual student’s goal. By successfully passing the required testing, the student can achieve all study objective. Monthly goals are divided by weekly goals. The weekly goals are broken down into daily goals or class period. After selecting the techniques and materials to be covered, the session should be planned accordingly.