What would you like to see/do in your FIRST MA class?

[Jim]

It's hard as an instructor to know what people are wanting to do/see in their first foray into MA. Although many mumble that they want self defence or to get fit (both of which are perfectly agreeable reasons to do MA), what is it exactly that you'd like to see in your first class?

I've had a few beginners over the years who've come along to a class or six and have just wandered away. Sometime's I've gone out of my way to show a whole lot of stuff and I've had the comment that they never thought they'd be able to remember half of it, others I've spent personally with them to show falling and body positioning for throws for a couple of hours and had them say that they thought there'd be a lot more.

So the question is, what would you expect to see and/or do at your first lesson?

[Jack]

Firstly, explain to those you show lots of stuff to in limited time about how things may seem daunting at first but the learning curve is not too great and things can be picked up and learnt with a bit of effort.

And explain to those who expect to see more that there is definitely a lot more, but you have to start with the basics and practice to get onto more moves etc.

Perhaps striking a balance between ambling through lots of content, and focussing on little content, would be best for those attending a first few classes?

[Greg-VT]

First lesson? Maybe mainly theory about the style, concepts principles etc. A bit of history about the style. How the school works.

Then demonstrations of some of the techniques strongly highlighting those concepts and principles.

I would want to know and see what makes that style, 'that style'.

[WhiteWizard]

Originally posted by Ving Tsun
First lesson? Maybe mainly theory about the style, concepts principles etc. A bit of history about the style. How the school works.

Then demonstrations of some of the techniques strongly highlighting those concepts and principles.

I would want to know and see what makes that style, 'that style'.

I don't know so much about going into theory in the first lesson this may put some people off then again these may be the people that aren't really that interested anyway. I think a bit of self defence is always good as it gives whoever it is something to take home and think about maybe a bit of discussion about what they can expect to do in the short term.

[Grasshopper]

I would say that you should make sure that you send them home with a technique to work on. When people start something new, and are excited about it, they want to continue thinking about it and working on it after the class is over. Before they leave, teach them a simple technique that they will not master in class, but can become fairly good at by the next class. Depending on their initail ability, mabye something like throwing a certain kick with good balance and form, balancing on one leg with the other leg in chamber, or even moving correctly in stance in different directions.

[johndoch]

Maybe you could set aside a little time for new students to see a demonstration of advanced techniques. You could get a few of your senior students to go through the motions of skills that the new student will work towards if he/she decides to attend your class.

I think this would give any new students a flavour of what can be achieved rather than simply being told a few techniques that may be too basic to capture their imagination.

[pgm316]

I agree Doc!

You maybe need to show them a little demo and maybe 5 mins of verbal theory, enough to impress them a enough!

And what I think a beginner should do, hit a few pads for a pure beginner or a bit of grappling, they'll feel they've got something out of the lesson that way!

For me, I'd like to run through some techniques then into some drills, no kata! :D

[Bigfoot]

Hi Jim!

The question in it self is a good one, as instructors we try to sell our program to potential students, therefor, we also need to know how to cater to their needs.

The answer is not a simple one, as every student will be different. I do not do what many suggest. Many say that it is a good idea to offer a private/semi private lesson the first time. I would much rather the perspective student experience the atmosphere in our school. I always encourage them to participate in our beginners or open training class. That way they get a chance to see how we train regularly. I make sure that I, or one of my instructors is available to answer any questions they might have, and I try to tailor the first class to the new student's expectations. I do this best by listening to what s(he) wants.

I do not try to impress the student with high level material. He will not be training this for quite a while anyways. I try to show him how easy it is to learn what we teach and I give the student praise for their effort. I also let the new student know that I think that their initiative to try something new is commendable. (The first step in every journey is the hardest). If they ask about higher level training I will let them watch a hi level lesson.

Just make sure that what you show them is what they will train. It doesn't help to show them advanced material that they might think is cool, if their not going to be training that. That is misrepresentation. Many are not ambitious enough to keep training basics just for the possibility of training advanced level materials. You need to excite them about what they are going to train (the basics), that is what they will be training - isn't it?

Good luck. Remember, what works for me might not work for you.

[johndoch]

Good points Bigfoot.

I feel that just because a student is new to a class doesnt mean they're new to MAs as a whole. I feel that by showing a student advanced material they will be able to gauge the standard of the class and make a educated judgement of whether they will continue to attend.

[Bigfoot]

Thanks Johndoch. I think your point is also valid.

I would though, (probably because I have taught so long) look at the way the beginners are treated and see how they cope with the training. I would also, without a doubt, want to see the advanced students and see how many there are compared to how many students in the school.

I guess the question lacks a little bit of specificity.
Who do you want the response from Jim?
From parents?
From adult students?
From children?
From instructors?

I think Johndoch's answer is more tailored the adult student. I was probably responding more to a younger student (as well as adults, but more to the younger crowd). Where my response here is more as an instructor/parent.

[Jim]

I don't teach juniors (yet) so I was initially wanting responces from any other than that, but all replies are good.

I think the thing that comes through with this is that everyone expects different things. You can't please everyone all the time.

[vandammedaman]

I think you shoulod teach the students how to do the counterattacks and the blocks first then show them how to do the other stuff like throws
punches and kicks.:)

[Andrew Green]

Have Fun...? Seems to work for me.

[thiaboxr2]

I became a student in MA 2 years ago in my current school. What I was personally looking for in a school was an uplifting, energetic atmosphere. Something that would hold my interest in the months to come. I liked the idea of talking to the head instructor and finding out how he feels about the martial arts, what he expects from the students, his instructors. What I liked the most was how the classes were taught. It was casual and professional at the same time.
I liked the idea of watching some of the advanced classes train to get an idea of what to expect in my training.
The basics such as the stance, basic punching and kicking. Then putting them to use on the pads were first introduced on the first day. From the second day on I was with the regular class.

The above info is what I would personaly look for in my first class

[Jazman]

I say kicks, the first thing both my brother and I were shown was kicking. Most people understand punching, but kicking is a whole new field, all it takes is a little coaching and they will be ready to practice on their own, hoping they would soon have impressive kicks. Or you could begin with showing some cool techniques, not all that difficult but just cool enough to impress but not scare off

[booksie_girl]

Try and crack a few jokes, this makes them feel more at ease. Also, make it difficult enough to be a challenge, but not so they think they'll never be able to do it. I remember at the end of my first lesson, I was sore from doing more exercise than I'd done for a very long time, but I was eager for more, and determined to improve. I don't know if this helps much. Certainly, as Grasshopper said, give them something to practise at home.

[belikewater]

I've just seen this, after posting my own questions in another thread. I'll reply to this if I may?

If I was to go to my first class, I would want to see a friendly instructor. I don't want to see complex demonstrations which are going to scare the daylights out of me because I think I'll never learn them; I don't want to hear loads of history; while it's centrally important, this should be introduced in SMALL chunks as the classes go on.

Mostly, I don't want to feel intimidated. If I was to walk into my first class and find 200 people, most of whom are 7th Dans I'd be out of there real fast. I'd want to be in a small group of students who are all at roughly the same level, and with one or two instructors/leaders.

[sys-x]

Hi everyone :)

Jim, I reckon you'll always get people who turn up once and don't come back again no matter what you do. Partly because a lot of people like the idea of doing a MA up until the point where they try it and find out they're going to have to put in a lot of hard work, and partly because, as you say, you just can't please everyone all the time.

For every person who could watch experienced students do complicated moves and feel inspired, there will be a person who'd find that intimidating or disheartening. I'm not sure if you're talking about starting a new class just for new students or having new students join an existing class. If it's the latter then perhaps the best thing is just to teach as normal, so that the new student can get a feel for what a normal class is like. Thats what I'd prefer. Maybe you could ask them to turn up a few minutes early so you can discuss with them what kind of things you'll be doing and make it clear that no-one expects them to be great straight away. A lot of people don't like to be seen to fail, even at something they've never done before.

At the first school I joined, after my first lesson the teacher gave me a small photocopied booklet with some info about himself, the school and the history of the style, along with some basic stuff about streching and warm ups. I thought that was pretty cool...

[belikewater]

Originally posted by sys-x
I'm not sure if you're talking about starting a new class just for new students...

I'd just like to say that if someone was to set up something like this in my local area, I'd be the first one there!

[SoKKlab]

Jim,
I feel that if a new student can walk out of their first class having learnt some good simple tricks, this may well help in bringing them back for more.

With most Ju Jitsu classes you generally come away with something new quite often. So for the first class, some thing that they can practice themselves at home, like wrist grab releases etc. Obviously you will cover more than just that during the class, but perhaps end the session for the newbies with something that they practice in their own time...

The first time I went to a Hapkido class, the instructor asked each person individually what they were specifically interested in.

If they answered say Throws, then the instructor showed them a few specific Throwing techniques from Hapkido, just to give them an overview of the system and then a simpler throw for them to begin learning during the class. I felt that that was a good approach and good marketing too.

Have you thought about having Students answer a written questionairre, so that you can gain more of an insight into what makes them tick? Just an idea, also to gauge their past Martial arts experience etc.

[SoKKlab]

Oh yeah and obviously Humour and a friendly relaxed atmosphere is a boon too.

[Bon]

Well, I'd expect to be shown how to kill any man 101 different ways... all in the first 10 minutes! After that we could just sit around and talk about the people we've beaten or will beat.

[Jim]

Well, I'd expect to be shown how to kill any man 101 different ways... all in the first 10 minutes! After that we could just sit around and talk about the people we've beaten or will beat.
That's been my current strategy right there, but I was thinking that people might be looking for a little more for some reason... :D

Thanks, all for your comments. I've been having some 'revolutionary' thoughts lately and it's always worthwhile to bounce things around in this little 'wading pool'.

Keep 'em coming if you got 'em.

[Jim]

Further to my original question...

Would the promise of 'belt rankings', multiple instructor recognition/affiliation with other systems and/or a systemised way of training (as opposed to open learning) entice you to join a club or disuade you?

[Bon]

Promise to get a belt in x amount of time sends warning bells screaming in my head, but a promise to make me a black belt isn't necessarily.

Affiliations? depends who with I guess and whether they're credible or not...

A certain structure to the training is good IMO, that way you know what's going on, what you'll be going later - whether it's technique or sparring, etc.

[Bigfoot]

Hi again Jim,

I have never had a student join because of the XXX organization we are affiliated with. I let all perspective students know that the time it takes to get the next belt is individual and dependent upon their efforts and attendance. The more they work, the sooner they will get their next belt. I also have them complete a questionnaire upon joining the school to see why they joined (fitness, SD, fighting ...) and how they heard about us and so on.

By they way, if you don't teach kids, who is in you avatar?

[Jim]

oooh, that's nasty... and you know what? Glenn got asked for id tonight at the pub we went to after classes! He's actually 24 but he's 5'3". In defence of the pic, he's actually leaning backwards from the crank on his elbow.

I'll have to update the pics soon.

Please keep up the comments, I think it's good to have an backdraft of ideas to find out what people are actually expecting they'll see when they go to a class.

[Chlo]

I think it's really important that people feel welcome in the first lesson and don't feel as if they are stupid or in the way for not knowing what's going on. I know that the first time I went to my club I felt like a liability because there were no other girls, I didn't feel especially welcome and I felt guilty because I could see the guy training with me wasn't hitting the pads as hard as the other guys cuz of me. I stuck it out because I wanted a challenge but felt really lost for the first couple of months until I gained a bit of confidence.

I think it's good to make people feel like they are welcome and u want them to train (this comes more from other students than an instructor) I always make a point of finding out peoples names and chatting a bit when they are new and pairing off with the girls especially so they don't feel awkward and they have a friend there.

I think the first lesson shouldn't be too complicated, drills on pads or take downs are good but full contact sparring and pressure point work might be a bit much

[tai-gip]

Realy to hard to answer in generalities but some people want to see simply how it will work for them eg. how they can defend themselves... so a simple demo shows them they it is something they can attain right here.... when i went looking for other schools i was looking for an instructor without ego who was capable but didnt walk like he was and who treated students individualy and like people who noticed errors and pointed them out also i looked mostly at the students cause no matter what message the instructor tries to pass over if the students dont mirror that is was all over because the instructors influance on most students in class is total and there reaction tells you what the class is realy like

[KickChick]

Originally posted by Jim
oooh, that's nasty... and you know what? Glenn got asked for id tonight at the pub we went to after classes! He's actually 24 but he's 5'3". In defence of the pic, he's actually leaning backwards from the crank on his elbow.

... finally that explains it... so you're the tall guy?? :)

I think before a student attends their first class they should most definitely come in and observe a training session. Often, people have a misconception about ma training, so observing a training session is the best way to see if your "style" of instruction is for them. At the end of such a class, the instructor can then speak answer any questions that a prospective student may have at that time.

Ultimately, the aim of the instructor is to help the new student feel comfortable and to acclimate them into the rest of the class.

Initial lessons should be centered on understanding proper class etiquette and establishing a core of basic technique. You need to be sure that you do not overwhelm your beginners!
In our school we oftem take these newer students to the side and instructed individually or within a small group if regular class size is large on a given night.

[Jim]

For a comment like that you should be made to post your T-shirt pic back again as your avatar... ;)

[Kwajman]

To be welcomed by someone other than the instructor. I always welcome any student young or old to our class to try to help them feel at ease.

[neryo_tkd]

it would be great to go to a school and watch the class to see if that particular martial art is what u want to train. i did it myself that way too. the very first time i went there and saw the others train, i knew that i would join them. sometimes people, especially boys, watch a wild movie with a lot of kicking, hitting...i.e. a lot of movie tricks and immediately want to train a martial art. that's not enough, i'm afraid.
when i came to my very first training, my instructor explained to us what taekwondo means and what it is all about, what we would be learning in the following period, and he also demonstrated several things and to be honest, i was impressed and even more motivated to persevere. and after the talking we started training, beginning with stances of course.

[Bouk Teef]

If I was instructing a group of beginners then I would probably do something along the lines of.
1. Tell them about the general structure of the organistion and a bit of the history behind the art.
2. Gentle warm up leading into a good stretch. many of them may not have done a MA before so making sure everyone is loose is essential.
3. Start teaching rolls and breakfalls. They must learn how to fall and roll such that injuries can be avoided.
Depending on the time left some general / basic technique finishing with another good stretch.

I feel the main thing with teaching inexperienced students is to encourage them not to focus on performing technique, rather, try and get them simply to move their body and let the technique come from that. Simple to say but hard to do!

[Jim]

My main problem with newies has to do with them pushing themselves too hard initially and expecting to know everything within the first few weeks. My second main problem is student retention. I think the two problems are related that's why I posted the thread in the first place.

[thiaboxr2]

In my first class I would like to get the basics down, then participate with the rest of the class no matter where they stand in their training.

If it's a one on one class with one of the instructors, I would expect a little more indepth training on the basics, why the basics are done the way they are. What kind of techniques are in the style. Are weapons introduced later in training?

Even history of the style would be good to know.

How to address the instructors during class, how to bow or show respect when stepping on or off the mat..

Me personally, I like the basics, history and rules of the school. I do not like to be caught off guard if there is something I was supposed to do or not do.

:)

[Thomas]

Being at a University, we get lots of new students coming in... some stay and some don't. We only have a few instructors and we have quite a few students so we try to maximize our impact.

(1) We run classes from 6:00 - 7:30 for Hapkido (sometimes runs late) and Taekwondo classes from 8:00 to 9:30. Even if we run over a bit we time before class and after each class (I get there about 5:30). In that time we usually meetv with the potentialy new students and talk to them... about previous experience, what we do and what they expect.

(2) We throw them at the back of the line and we all do warm ups together, Kicking practice, and line drills (scaled on difficulty based on rank) for basic blocks, strikes and kicks.

(3) When we move into our topic for the night, we usually break up by rank... we work the same subject but add difficulty based on level (and not just belt rank). Usually at this point, we move the new guys to the back of the room with an instructor (usually the master likes to do this). The master (or instructor) runs them through some basic strikes, stance, and moves while talking to them about the school.

(4) At the end of class, we give them the Handbook (includes history, requirements, biographies, pictures, and forms) and wish them well, hoping they return. Some do, some don't.

[David]

I don't have the energy to read the whole thread from scratch but I just thought of something. They have to walk away from their first lesson thinking, "Dang! How the fup did he do that to me?!" Then they get the empty cup and a great thirst.

Rgds,
David