What I Learned about Teaching from Studying Martial Arts

Excerpt from a 1993 journal entry:

I wrote a note to my building principal to update him on my progress in Kung Fu since the “Kung Fu Parable”.  I told him that my experience in Kung Fu will make me a better teacher.  It has reminded me of what it feels like to be a “kid/student” again, therefore, giving me a much better perspective on where my students are coming from.

I’ve learned, or re-learned:

•    How to focus my attention better.

•    That I’m not too uncoordinated to learn those “awesome” forms.

•   That it is OK to say “Do it again” to a student.

•    That saying “May I” needn’t be out of style.

•    That I can OVERCOME my FEARS.  I had noticed (before starting Kung Fu) that I was beginning to let my fears limit me more and more.  Now, after sticking with four months of Kung Fu, when I barely thought I could survive one, I have more confidence in my ability to attack an activity, problem or situation that I am afraid of.

•    That there is a place in this world where I can put aside the confident, assertive, in control image I portray to the rest of the world, and work on the parts of me that aren’t so confident.  Where no one expects anything more of me that to do my best.  It’s a place where it is safe to be insecure or nervous until I can gain confidence at what I am doing at my own pace. There is no where else where I feel I can let that side of me out.

•    That if I’m given constructive criticism it is not the “end of the world.”

•    That I can challenge my students more, that it’s good for them, and they probably won’t fall apart.  I’m so conscious of their self-esteem and their need for success that I sometimes spoon-feed them too much or expect less than they are capable of.  I get bored very quickly when I’m not challenged. So do my students.

•    … and so much more than I can put into words.

I often use analogies from my experience in Kung Fu when speaking to teacher’s about students and learning.  The other day, I heard an example come back to me.  My Kung Fu analogies are helping other teachers to understand their kids better.

See Also:

1. Putting on the Boxing Gloves: A Teaching Analogy
2. KUNG FU PARABLE (Or what’s going on with those at-risk kids? They just don't try! They just don't study!)
3. Did you know that I teach kung fu?