Fun Follows Focus
Posted on | February 1, 2010 | 1 Comment
Have you ever taught a class where everyone seems completely focused, the energy level is high and at the end of the class you know that everyone is leaving stronger, healthier, and in a better state of mind than when they arrived? Wouldn’t it be great if every class was like this? Remember the phrase: Focus Follows Fun. It is the first step in making every class a great class a reality.
When people are bored they tend to lose focus. The trick is to keep them mentally, physically, and emotionally stimulated throughout the entire class. This is not a new concept; it is just one that we often forget. As you consider how to energize and focus your class by making it fun, remember, there’s a difference between having fun and being funny. Having fun doesn’t mean people are laughing and giggling. It doesn’t mean your class has to be filled with games. It just means that you have to structure a class and provide leadership that is enjoyable. This concept is true for students of all ages, not just children. Although the drills might vary with age and skill, the concept remains the same: making each and every class unforgettable! While this sounds great in theory, how can you make it a reality?
Let’s review some steps that will help you in the process of making your classes more enjoyable for all.
Step One: Before Class, Always have a plan
It is far too common for an instructor to step out onto the floor, bow in the students and start the warm-up without having a clue as to what he or she is going to teach to the class. Once in awhile, one might end up teaching a fun energizing and focused class. More often than not, however, the instructor will tend to fall back on old standbys drills that the students now know as well as the instructor. The result is most always an average class, at best.
On the other hand, if you plan the class beforehand, your energy and enthusiasm is very high because you’re excited about delivering your well planned material to your students! We all agree that energy and enthusiasm is infectious. Your focus on your plan, your energy, and enthusiasm is transferred to your students resulting in a great class where everyone finished focused and energized. This sets the stage for the desire to return for another similar experience, and reduces attrition!
Step Two: During Class, Have the right mental attitude
While it is important to preparing beforehand, it is also important to have the right mental attitude during class. It is absolutely critical to remember that the moment you step on the mat you’re ENTIRE focus and energy needs to be directed to your students. Whatever else is going on in your life, whatever concerns you have, whatever challenges you’re overcoming, are irrelevant to that paying student. That student relies on you for energy, focus and enthusiasm; they do not want to hear about your problems. Evidenced in every action you take is that this is where you want to be; this is what you want to be doing. Reciting the instructors creed can help put you in the right mental state. “I will teach this class; as if it is the most important class I will ever teach. I am patient and enthusiastic. I will lead by example.”
Step Three: Don’t let distractions change your focus
Inevitably, in every class there will be some distraction: an overactive student, a new prospect standing impatiently next to the mat, unhappy parents, or some other situation. Whatever it is, don’t let it reduce the focus, energy and enthusiasm in the classroom. Going back to step one, preparing for such an event (having a staff member who can intercede) can reduce or eliminate the distraction. Keep a clear vision of what you intended for the class. Make whatever adjustments are necessary and keep the class energized and focused. Remember, “The secret of true concentration lies in the acceptance of the endless distractions.”
Step Four: Deviate when necessary
Every now and then something happens during class that forces you to change the direction of your class. In other words, there are exceptions to the rule specified in Step Three. Use good judgment and determine when it is appropriate to make an exception. It might be a minor emergency that calls one of your assistants off the floor, or it may be that you see some aspect of your student’s curriculum that needs extra work
Or, perhaps your class plan isn’t going as you thought it would. In these instances, make exceptions and deviate, always remembering to keep the focus and energy of the students at its peek.
Step Five: Track your progress
At the close of each day, make a note of how the classes went. What drills worked? What drills didn’t? It is amazing how quickly a file of great class ideas and drills will build up. The more you track your progress the easier planning for great classes becomes.
There’s a great phrase that sums up the attitude you should have about teaching “Always be happy, but not satisfied”. You should be happy with your skill level. Happy with you’re teaching skills. But you should never be fully satisfied with either. There is always room for improvement. Being satisfied implies that you don’t care to improve. “Happy, but not satisfied” refers to the importance of striving each day to become better while enjoying the process. Focusing on these Five Steps will help ensure that each and every class that you teach is focused and energized!
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About Dave Kovar
Mr. Kovar has been teaching Martial Arts professionally since 1978. Dave is a multi-style Black Belt who has been committed to ever-improving his Martial Arts skills. He updates this blog to provide tips and insights to martial arts instructors around the country. To learn more, click here.
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February 5th, 2010 @ 11:34 am
This blog is fantastic! Straight to the point clear and great info. I’m passing this onto my instructors as soon as they come of the floor tonight!!