On Being a Teacher
I love teaching Kids. They offer so much to learn from them. To have the chance to guide young minds into their own power. To see their faces lit up as they realize - "I can DO this!"
As a parent and teacher, this experience is humbling and profound.
"A teacher is a student who teaches in order to continue his study." (Mochizuki Minoru Sensei)
There are so many incredible teachers in the world - people who shape our character, minds, and future. We can practically say that teachers often shape humanity - or at least attempt to make our world a better place on a daily basis.
So what makes a Teacher a GREAT TEACHER?
Here are my thoughts, inviting you also to share yours :)
1. Listening Skills
A great teacher can listen to a student at multiple levels - emotionally, physically, mentally. Listening is the greatest art a human can do.
2. Self-Control
A teacher faces countless situations, often at the same time (in a classroom or group setting). Much like Martial Arts RANDORI, they are exposed to a flux of incoming demands.
Being able to adapt, adjust, be fluid with every situation while remaining in full self-control mode, is the second greatest art a human can do.
3. Always Learning
A great teacher never stops learning - from everyone and everywhere. This offers the basis for a respectful relationship AND partnership with all the students (and everyone else too). Learning is the third greatest art a human can do.
On Being a Student
The FOUR pillars of a Great {Martial Arts} Student:
Curiosity
Modesty
Diligence
The 4TH Pillar of a great student (in Martial Arts or any other form of education) is maybe the most important and harder to grasp:
Steal Technique, not Time
What this means is that we must always observe AND absorb all the nuances of what an Instructor / Teacher shares and/or demonstrates for us, but we should never "steal their time" - meaning our presence there should be honest and willing, respectful of their time, and ours.
Time is Life.
Should you wish to join me in conversation, here is where you'll find me: KineOasis Community
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