In the morning, I help The Master teach the homeschool kids' class at the Academy. Very comfortable in my element there, I help these kids (a huge group this year - most of them brand new) learn the basics of Taekwondo and Hapkido. Nice kids, nice families - it's a fun and easy hour spent helping and learning from The Master before the morning adult class begins.
In the evening, I assist with kids' Jiu Jitsu at the other school. Still just learning much of these techniques myself, I pay close attention while the coach is teaching a lesson, and then work with the kids or walk around and help them as they drill the lesson we just learned. It's an extremely good exercise for me as well, because to troubleshoot the kids' execution of the technique, I have to be acutely aware of the details and priorities as outlined by the coaches. Watching and analyzing and becoming familiar with the common mistakes others make are all ways to enhance my own learning, and this weekly commitment has been a valuable part of my training.
At both schools, being involved in the kids' program has been an important element of my own journey. Passing along my knowledge (or at least my enthusiasm), helping to build the kids' self-confidence, and supporting them in achieving their own goals gives so much more meaning to what I'm doing than if were to merely keep it to myself. By teaching as well as learning, I am able to pay forward the care and attention my own teachers and mentors have invested in me.
It's also really fun. :)
It's also really fun. :)
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