Teachers listen up! Now when I say teachers, what did you think of? Elementary or high school? Maybe a private tutor? The truth is that we’re all a teacher in some way, shape, or form. We’ve all taught or mentored someone at one point in our life, even if we haven’t realized it. I started assisting in classes at the dojo when I was 16, and now I’m 21. Since then I’ve learned a lot of different things that can not only be applied to better help others, but also help myself. I’d like to share these lessons with you, in hopes that you can use them to better yourselves or someone dear to you.
my first day as an assistant instructor
I quit! Yep, you read that right, I quit after my first day assisting and teaching a class on my own. It overwhelmed and scared me so much (mostly because a group of hyperactive 5 year-olds are hard to manage), that I thought I wasn’t cut out for it. I failed to ignore some major things, mostly my lack of experience, which I was supposed to gain through teaching classes. After a few weeks off, I decided to try and teach again after talking to my boss, and he told me something I will never forget.
“If you can teach the novice class, you can teach any class.”
My new goal was found, teach a novice class successfully, and to my surprise I did that the second time around. The more I taught and gained experience on how to manage groups of kids and effectively teach classes, the more fun it became. This is the first lesson that I learned:
You won’t get better unless you’re willing to put yourself out there and make some mistakes along the way.
The older I get the more I realize that no one is really judging you, and that it’s all in your head. A lot of people see this piece of advice and think it’s obvious. If it is, why do so many of us still do it? Progress and improvement only come when you’re willing to take a step out of your comfort zone. I encourage everyone to try and remember that the next time you’re faced with a new challenge in your lives. Make sure your inaction isn’t something you’ll regret!
time management
Every class at Canada’s Best Karate (excluding the Adult Class) is 45 minutes. That’s 45 minutes to do a warmup, teach all the material, and play a fun game towards the end of class. This is hard when there’s a class of 20 students running around full of energy. My eyes are constantly moving from the clock to the students, making sure that we’re on track and that everyone is having a good time while training.
Time management is important in all aspects of our lives. With procrastination and doomscrolling at an all time high, we need to be aware of the fact that our days don’t have infinite hours. We have certain windows of productivity, time to cook and exercise and spend time with our family, and if we don’t manage it, then it’ll pass us by in the blink of an eye. I encourage everyone to start making some sort of schedule for themselves, so that we can remain focused and calm in today’s loud and busy world.
have fun and love what you do
At one of my earlier instructor training lessons, my boss gave all of the instructors a piece of advice that changed my perspective on teaching, and in the way that I live my life.
If you aren’t having fun, then the kids definitely aren’t having fun.
From a teaching perspective this makes sense, if you aren’t enjoying the lesson, or are really bored, then the students aren’t going to be engaged either. Everytime I teach a class I try to make sure all the kids are smiling and working hard. If they are, then I know I’ve done my job.
Very quickly I started wondering how this could apply to me as a person. Then I asked myself
What’s the point in doing something if you don’t find it fun, even if it’s just a little fun?
If something isn’t genuinely enjoyable for you, why do it? Money? Fame? Success? Is that worth sacrificing your joy and whimsy? I personally don’t think so. I wouldn’t have a remained a teacher if I didn’t find it fun. I love making the kids smiling and helping them improve themselves. It feels very fulfilling. I urge everyone to do this:
Find something you enjoy doing and are passionate about. There needs to be a spark!
Otherwise, what’s the point?
You can never do it alone
I would never have been able to teach all of these classes on my own, which is why I am so grateful for my wonderful coworkers (who are also my lifelong friends). We have a unique situation, since we first began as training partners at the dojo when we were all very young, and as we grew up, slowly began to take on more responsibility. We are all senior instructors and managers now, working together to deliver the best classes possible.
It’s nice to know that you have someone to lean on when things become overwhelming. If I have a headache from forgetting to drink water for 5 hours (I don’t recommend anyone do that by the way), then I have someone who is there to pick up the slack for me while I step out for a second.
A good support system and friends will always get you further than you ever could have gone alone.
This doesn’t just apply to your careers, but for your life in general. Humans are social creatures, we aren’t meant to be or do things alone. Everything’s better with the right people around. I personally don’t think I could have made it through university without my friends at Schulich. Their support and motivation made me want to work harder than I ever did before. Don’t be stubborn, be open to making friends and finding a group of people who care about you, I promise they’re out there, and they will make your life better.
patience
I saved the most obvious for last. If you’re gonna teach a group of 20 kids, you’re gonna need to have patience. Staying calm under pressure and not giving in to stress can be a hard thing to do, but it is incredibly beneficial. Because of today’s fast-paced world, everyone wants everything to be instant. Gratification, happiness, satisfaction, people want it right away. My advice:
Enjoy the journey that leads you to your goal, not just the goal itself. All good things come in time.
Sometimes we can get so lost or focused on what’s ahead, we lose sight of what’s right in front of us. The lives we currently have are things that we should remember to be grateful for, and the goals we want to achieve can only come through hard work and dedication. Don’t rob yourself of the journey towards yours goal, it’s the best part. Getting the black belt was satisfying, becoming a senior instructor was satisfying. What I really remember was what I did to get there. That is what I look back on with fondness.
That’s all I got for now. If you have any questions, or want to make recommendations, feel free to contact me!
I hope you enjoyed the “wisdom” of a 21 year-old.
Till next time!
PS: yes I have since gotten a haircut since that photo was taken.
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