10 “Durkin” Teaching Points
BE FRIENDLY BUT NOT FAMILIAR: Remember your duty is to educate and instruct the students. Knowing details of them will make the training more relatable, but going with them to the movies does not!
PRAISE-CORRECT-PRAISE, BUT BE SPECIFIC: “Keep your hands a little more steady, but loved your kick!” Being specific with your praise AND your corrections will go a long way to help your students refine their technique!
MAKE EVERY CLASS A PRIVATE CLASS: Using classic tools - like eye contact and first name recognition - make every student in your class think that the class was tailored to their needs of that day!
MORE IS CAUGHT THAN TAUGHT: The core meaning of “Sensei” is one who has gone before. A Sensei is an example setter! Your students will pick up more from what you do from before and after the class, than they will during.
BE AFFABLE AND UNFLAPABLE: When you make a big deal about something, your students will treat it as a big deal. Don’t let daily aggravations get in the way the message you are trying to convey.
BE AWARE OF YOUR POSITION IN CLASS: Classically, a teacher stands in front of the class, but remember that moving among the students and changing everyone’s physical perspective is very helpful in keeping attention. Additionally, changing the class perspective can make your class more educational.
DO NOT TAKE STUDENTS’ TIME FOR GRANTED: We all lead busy lives. You students CARVE out a time slot in their daily lives to be present for you. Make sure you respect their time and make their trip worthwhile!
WATCH STUDENTS DO A TECHNIQUE BEFORE OR AFTER A CLASS: “Hey, do you have a few minutes after class, so we can get more ready for you test next week?” is a phrase that every student loves to hear!
RELATE STUDENT’S PRACTICE TO THEIR LIFE OUTSIDE THE DOJO: Martial Arts Training Lifestyle helps us live our lives. There are few things as beneficial to us physically, spiritually and psychologically. Help your students connect those dots!
SHOW GRATITUDE: Your students could be doing figure skating, going to a concert or sitting on their couch with a bag of Doritos! Express gratitude that they chose to spend time with you!