Reminding students why they are training...

Many times I have to remind students to put out more energy. The more energy they put into their training, the better for them. This is such a simple concept, and anyone reading this would say, that is just common sense, but no, "common sense is not so common".

When we are in Jung SuWon Martial Arts class, people say, why are you pushing me so hard?? Can't you layoff. But the student often forgets what they wanted when they first joined. They asked for help. They asked to be pushed. They stated goals they wanted to overcome, and they asked for our help, and now they get angry at us for trying to teach them. 2 situations generally come up. #1 - They had no idea how much energy it takes to train in the martial arts, and if you want to actually change bad habits it takes hard work and discipline.

As instructors we have to realize this. Most people today want instant results. They feel like they can go to JC Penny's and buy their confidence, or buy their happiness. It just doesn't work that way, and when they figure that out it is a shock. They also don't want to accept they can't do it, so many times they will look for faults in the instructors or schools. This is a common situation that we all must learn to deal with and/or avoid.

There is so much that one can gain from the martial arts. Great power, great confidence, good health and more. So I understand why we talk positively about the benefits. They are in reach for those willing to sacrifice and put in the energy, But once you find out a student has unrealistic expectations, it is better to relax, let them enjoy what they can, and don't push them anymore. In your mind, recognize you are at an inflection point. At this point the student will be not be happy, and therefore help them set new goals and move on in life. Otherwise, somewhere down the line, they will start blaming you for their unhappiness, and they will become angry and vindictive. Life is too short for that. Keep bringing in new white belts, and move on to other students that really desire to learn.