| As a karate instructor, you no doubt understand | | | | Alternatively, is it a serious lesson-working on |
| the importance of lesson planning. Developing an | | | | etiquette, posture, correct behavior and habits, |
| effective lesson plan is of vital importance, | | | | traditional philosophy, and history of karate? Each |
| especially for new instructors. However, even for | | | | lesson can incorporate more than one of the four |
| a highly experienced instructor it does not hurt to | | | | methods of delivery. |
| revisit some basic lesson planning principles. There | | | | Level |
| are several main components that are critical to | | | | This component refers to the three main levels |
| the overall lesson content of karate at all levels. | | | | of students in class or to the level of content |
| These components are: | | | | delivered in each class - beginners, intermediate |
| · Element, which includes basic training, | | | | students, and advanced students. However, |
| forms, and partner work; | | | | lessons, at times, could still include beginner |
| · Type, which includes quality, quantity, | | | | content for advanced students, to remind them |
| fun, and serious; | | | | about the things they should already know. |
| · Level, which is beginner, intermediate, | | | | Likewise, advanced content can be given to |
| and advanced; | | | | beginner students. |
| · Focus, which includes grading syllabus, | | | | This gives them a chance to see what they have |
| analysis and application of forms, self-defense, | | | | to look forward to if they stick with their training. |
| target training, and general drills. | | | | In a club with a large membership, there may be |
| Generally, every lesson will include all four of these | | | | enough black belts to warrant a black belt-only |
| components. The parts of each component relate | | | | class. If so, there could be a distinction between |
| to the actual lesson content. By combining these | | | | brown and black belts as to their level of class. |
| components and making slight changes, each | | | | This is for the instructor to decide, depending on |
| lesson will be interesting yet different while still | | | | the membership and resources of his or her club. |
| sticking with the necessary content required at | | | | Focus |
| each rank level. | | | | This component guides the reason behind the |
| Let's define each component and its parts. | | | | content. When a grading is coming up in the next |
| Element | | | | couple of weeks, a lesson on the techniques that |
| The element component refers to what kind of | | | | will be tested in the grading is a good idea. When |
| content the lesson includes. Generally, each lesson | | | | students have learned and memorized the moves |
| will use one or more of the three k's - kihon | | | | to the kata they are studying, it is time to focus |
| (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (partner work | | | | on the application of the kata. |
| or sparring.) | | | | Perhaps one of your students is being bullied at |
| Type | | | | school, and you feel it is time to revisit some |
| The type component deals with how the lesson is | | | | self-defense techniques. Maybe you just want to |
| delivered. Does the lesson focus on quality | | | | have a general lesson that has a bit of something |
| (detailed explanations of basic techniques, forms, | | | | for everyone. |
| or partner work), quantity (a hard workout using | | | | With these four essential components, multiple |
| repetition of technique as the main teaching tool), | | | | effective lesson plans can be created. If you |
| or fun (a more relaxed atmosphere than normal, | | | | would like to see some additional teaching tips and |
| with activities such as target training, games for | | | | strategies, read my FREE Report, "Instructor |
| the kids, light sparring, or something completely | | | | Mastery: How to Become a Great Instructor |
| different such as kata from another style)? | | | | Right from the very First Lesson". |