The ABC’s of Teaching the Martial Arts
Always be on time and teach that being on time is arriving “ten minutes early.”
Be a model of commitment, honesty, effort and consistency.
Care about your students’ mental, physical, health and well-being.
Do random acts of kindness before, during and after classes.
Every day give each student plenty of positive feedback.
Forget about past offences, look to the future and provide direction & positive reinforcement.
Give students more respect than you expect from them.
Have a happy disposition and a positive attitude when you teach.
Invest time in each class, each student and of course invest in yourself – a fit, passionate instructor is a fresh and buzzing instructor on the mats
Jump with excitement when they achieve small victories.
Keep looking for their positive traits and skills.
Love the journey, be sure to be open, share your passion, knowledge and experiences.
Make appropriate adjustments for the students age and of course be patient.
Never criticise your students in front of other classmates, well almost never 
Only enlighten and offer constructive comments.
Put aside the worst aspects of the way you were taught and teach as you have evolved.
Quietly discipline in a private setting.
Recognise each student as special, uniquely different and innately talented.
Spend time listening to your students and their parents.
Teach them to use their martial arts manners outside of the school.
Understand how the student develop mentally and physically and teach appropriately.
Welcome their family and friends into the school.
X-ray to the core of what they really need: confidence, self-respect and courage.
Yell only when happy and enthusiastic – never in anger.
Zoom in on their needs and be sure to be supportive & help them achieve beyond expectation.
I look forward to seeing you on the mats!
Respect as Always
Master Swift
Master John Swift is back in the South East teaching seminars at Breckland Leisure Centre, Thetford for the team at VERVE karate