Like Starting Over Again

The boy has moved up another belt rank in his martial arts training. The change moved him into another class and yesterday was his first time participating. It was a completely different class from either of his previous ones.

When he started a little over a year ago, the classes taught the basic techniques but the instructors didn’t demand much technically. Mainly, they wanted the kids to listen, follow instructions, and have fun. And not necessarily in that order. I had my doubts about what exactly they were learning, but having coached some T-ball and observed other athletically oriented activities I came to realize that, for the age, not expecting much was how it had to be.

In the fall, he moved up into a new class with older kids. This class was different. A little anyway. The instructors were less forgiving of silliness and worked on technique a little more. But still, the classes themselves were not strenuous and there was still a focus on keeping it fun. They also started learning Korean terms for the kicks, punches, and customs. Still, in all, it was clearly geared for younger kids.

The class he is now in is completely different from the others. The simplest way to describe it is it’s in line with the stereotypical martial arts class. The kids are worked harder and challenged more: to be faster, technically proficient, and to be smart. There is also almost no tolerance for silliness or disobedience. The younger kids were mildly upbraided for two slights yesterday- talking while the instructor was talking (before class had even officially begun) and not listening to a higher ranking student (by belt) who warned them to quiet down and listen. The other side of that coin is the instructors efforts to teach proper technique in that class were more than anything I’d previously witnessed.

So after all that, what was the boy’s impression?

“That class was hard.” Those were his exact words when the class ended. He then lamented about being the “worst one there.” Which I didn’t think was true, but even if I grant it was I told him he shouldn’t be upset about it. After all, a year ago when he started, he had no idea how to do any of this stuff. He’s steadily improved to the point where he’s now in the highest children’s class the dojo offers.

But his initial reaction wasn’t far off in many ways. The class was definitely harder than what he’d been exposed to previously. He’ll have to adjust accordingly. The Wife and I will have to help him through it. Just like we always have.