| I appreciate martial arts students who want to do | | | | trained properly. My best approach is to: |
| everything perfectly. They are usually very | | | | * Encourage them to lighten up! I have to |
| committed and hard working. They sign up for | | | | constantly remind them not to be so hard on |
| classes ready to train and full of enthusiasm! | | | | themselves. |
| Unfortunately, this enthusiasm disappears very | | | | * Limit the amount of questions I allow during a |
| quickly. The one problem is that perfectionists | | | | class. I can't ignore all questions, because some |
| worry themselves to death! They start off with a | | | | are legitimate. A martial arts class however should |
| very positive attitude, but set the bar so high | | | | not consist of a lot of chitchat. Most people want |
| that they get depressed and disappointed if they | | | | to work up a sweat and learn the art. Too many |
| can't meet their expectations. | | | | questions can also annoy other students so |
| Students with such high anxiety also tend to ask | | | | focusing on everyone getting a good workout is |
| a lot of questions and over-analyze. Instead of | | | | important. |
| enjoying their martial arts training, it becomes | | | | * During open workout sessions, I specifically |
| stressful. Some don't want to take promotion | | | | direct the perfectionist on what they should do |
| tests because in their minds, they are never really | | | | for that hour. Some students are so self-directed |
| ready! Nothing they do is ever good enough. | | | | that they show up to an open workout with an |
| When students are over thinking and over | | | | agenda and can keep busy for an hour. |
| analyzing they are stimulating the wrong part of | | | | Perfectionists need a plan. Give it to them! They'll |
| their brain for learning martial arts. Some thinking | | | | rise to the occasion. |
| is involved, but for the most part with martial arts | | | | * Don't be afraid to correct perfectionists |
| as in all athletic endeavors learning comes by | | | | because you feel it will upset them. An instructor |
| FELLING your way through things. If a student is | | | | who feeds into this is not really teaching. Constant |
| working their way though a new movement and | | | | praise is counterproductive and doesn't help the |
| standing still thinking, scratching their head, talking | | | | student learn. Make constructive corrections and |
| to himself or herself, calculating, without any | | | | tell the student how to improve! |
| movement - step in! Get them out of that habit | | | | Above all, focus on the overall learning experience. |
| and make them move and feel their way through | | | | When directed by a knowledgeable instructor, |
| the movement. | | | | perfectionists have the potential to be outstanding |
| I've taught martial arts for over 30 years | | | | martial artists. Encourage them to enjoy the |
| because I love teaching. I don't like to give up on | | | | journey! |
| the perfectionists. They can be superior athletes if | | | | |