It has been said many times that you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. I find that this fact is also true in teaching karate. As an instructor for many years, I get reminded of the fact that I can tell someone a thousand times that how they are standing is not "the proper forward stance" or that when they are blocking that they are not locking the arm into the body. The truth of the matter is, that I am wasting my breath until I can create an environment that will substantiate what I am saying.
In creating this environment the student must believe what you are telling them is true. The second item that has to be addressed is that they must see a benefit to themself in wanting to do it the way you say it should be done. Once these two items have been achieved the student will start seeking their own way to understanding what you have told them. As an instructor, the rest is easier, you merely guide the student between the guideposts so in essence, they discover how to teach themselves. Once the student has gotten to the point of seeking an answer to their own personal problem, finding the answer then becomes a treasure hunt. Finding the "answer" becomes a challenge to their wit.
For example, recently in my class I had a student that was having problems keeping his knees bent in a forward stance and doing the basic walk. Every time he would move forward to do a basic he would lock his legs out straight. I had mentioned to him many times that his stance and balance would be improved if he would just bend his knees.
So one night I got him separated from the rest of the class and we were going to work on basic walk for the rest of the night. I started working with him on his basic forward stance and explaining it to him again. I mentioned to him that as you move forward a smooth gliding motion should be used. Once I had said that, he replied back saying "like roller blading" and I said "exactly" because you can't move on roller blades with your legs locked. Roller blading requires you to bend your knees and glide smoothly as you progress forward. I was shocked. After he had said that he had a perfect understanding and ability to do the basic forward stance and walk. Once he entered into the "seeking answer mode" he quickly found the answer to his own problem.
As teachers of the martial arts, we should create an environment that will facilitate learning. Learning requires a student seeking answers and a knowledgeable teacher that can let the student create their own answers between the guideposts. Once a student has created their own answers to their own problems they will never forget them.
Several years ago one of my karate clubs in Orange, Texas presented a clock to me that was hand crafted by one of my students. On the face of the clock it said, "A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." When I look at that clock I think of my instructor and the influence he has had over my life.
