Why I Like My Instructor

[Igorina]

I help teach the 4-6 year olds class at the dojang. Not because I'm particularily fond of children, but because they obey me (albeit briefly).

We have stated rules concerning belts: remember it or face the consequences. For the 4-6 year olds the consequences are 5 laps around the maps yelling out the count. If they don't yell it, we make them start over.

The other week, C came in without his belt, Mamma C came in begging us not to punish her son. It was her fault that C didn't have his belt, please don't punish him, etc.

My reflex response is to say that it is C's belt, it is his responsibility to remember it.

This apparently a personal attack against Mamma C, who then snidely responds that she'd like to see me try and teach a 4 year old responsibility.

That is in fact what I am trying to do.

Wishing to not further engage Mamma C (she has shown herself to be a harriden), I had a quiet word with C about what earning our belts mean.

Later when I recounted this episode to my instructor (my boss), he suggested that the next time a parent came in claiming responsibilty for their child's belt I should have the parent do the punishment.

He wasn't joking.

This is why I like my instructor.

[fireheart]

dojang=Taekwondo?

Also, good call. When I did karate, I made sure I NEVER left home without my belt.

[Igorina]

Dojang is Korean for school. The style I teach is not Tae Kwon Do, but incorporates elements from it.

[Squeaksmyalias]

Your instructor rocks.

[Sapphire Silk]

My sa bom nim would have done the exact same thing, including with the four year olds. It was his way or the high way.

My schools goals were:

High Moral Character
Self Identity
Self Discipline
Self Defense
Physical Fitness.

They were in that order for a reason. Forgetting your belt was a violation of Self Discipline. Refusing to accept responsibility was a violation of High Moral Character.

That's a no go.

[LillFilly]

Makes me wonder exactly what that poor kid will learn from his mom. Good for you guys for at least attempting to make sure he'll survive in the real world!

[chainedbarista]

i'm also liking the way your instructor thinks; child can't take resposibility? good, mommy, go run his laps, then.

[MoonCat]

Wow, imagine that, trying to teach a four year old responsibility! Why, that's...that's...

normally a parent's job, but since she won't, thank you for doing so. At least that's one kid who won't be as likely to grow up with an attitude of 'specialness' and entitlement.

[PepperElf]

yeah i figured it's the same thing i call a dojo

and yeah that would be cool ... making the mom do the punishment
and yeah, punishment is part of teaching responsibility

[Igorina]

My Instructor is one of the reasons I've stuck around this place for so long.

B is awesome.

[Stryker One]

Wouldn't it be best to make them BOTH run laps.

[Igorina]

It's a thought. And I'll keep it in mind for if this happens again.