Kidding around
I've been participating in the Junior TKD programs as an assistant instructor recently, partly to establish 'presence' within those classes, but also to learn just *how* to teach the adorable ADD-riddled chaos spawn. (I mean that in a good way, really.) So far, the classes have been manageable; only a few waddling low belts and one or two silly kids, but otherwise the students have been attentive and willing to follow the lesson plan I'm given.
Usually I'm not so hot with kids. (You might have guessed that already.) Lack of focus, disease-ridden, goofy little monsters with the drive of kittens who over-dosed on catnip... and we get to lead them in exercises. I mean, sure, it's the most adorable violence I've ever had the honor to instruct (which is a reward in and of itself) but some students are better than others. I've often heard that the girls are better martial artists than boys during the schooling years as they've got better coordination, greater dedication, etc., but this came to the fore today.
There's a young girl who earned her green belt recently. A cute gal sporting some little specs, she's a total kid during break time, but during class? Holy shit, near assassin level of dedication. I mean, yeah, great for her, but it's really unnerving to see her shift persona like this. "Sir. I'm ready for my next form. Shall we begin?" I'm told not to show fear or indecision in front of the kids (no, really, I was actually told this), and now I know why; they would eat me alive. Especially her.
Anyway, the kids seem to like me well enough and I'm getting lots of positive feedback from students, parents, and Sa Bom Nim. I'm still a bit verbose, it seems, but I'm improving. It's not like they can pay attention for more than 10 seconds, so I kind of need to shorten my explanation if I expect to get anything done. Regardless, I had one little yellow belt come up to me after class today to tell me "WOW sir, you're amazing! Thank you for class!!" My only response was "...uh, thanks?" Ah, well.
I didn't mean to ramble like this, but there it is. I'm working with the kids now and I'm looking forward to the odd little stories bound to come from these classes.
Usually I'm not so hot with kids. (You might have guessed that already.) Lack of focus, disease-ridden, goofy little monsters with the drive of kittens who over-dosed on catnip... and we get to lead them in exercises. I mean, sure, it's the most adorable violence I've ever had the honor to instruct (which is a reward in and of itself) but some students are better than others. I've often heard that the girls are better martial artists than boys during the schooling years as they've got better coordination, greater dedication, etc., but this came to the fore today.
There's a young girl who earned her green belt recently. A cute gal sporting some little specs, she's a total kid during break time, but during class? Holy shit, near assassin level of dedication. I mean, yeah, great for her, but it's really unnerving to see her shift persona like this. "Sir. I'm ready for my next form. Shall we begin?" I'm told not to show fear or indecision in front of the kids (no, really, I was actually told this), and now I know why; they would eat me alive. Especially her.
Anyway, the kids seem to like me well enough and I'm getting lots of positive feedback from students, parents, and Sa Bom Nim. I'm still a bit verbose, it seems, but I'm improving. It's not like they can pay attention for more than 10 seconds, so I kind of need to shorten my explanation if I expect to get anything done. Regardless, I had one little yellow belt come up to me after class today to tell me "WOW sir, you're amazing! Thank you for class!!" My only response was "...uh, thanks?" Ah, well.
I didn't mean to ramble like this, but there it is. I'm working with the kids now and I'm looking forward to the odd little stories bound to come from these classes.