In
our dojo, we will often watch one person perform a kata or technique, and then
we can all offer comments. How dare a
Yellow Belt criticize a Brown Belt! ‘Comments’
are not necessarily ‘criticism’; they can also be positive observations.
We
do this for four good reasons:
1-
We develop the students’ observational skills, making sure we’re all looking
for the same details.
2-
We develop the students’ verbal skills as they describe what they see,
reinforcing it in their minds.
3-
As juniors learn what makes good form, they will start to look for it in their
own techniques.
4-
Students can see direct cause and effect when someone’s form is a little off
(e.g. leaning forward or back, stance too wide or long, moving head late while
turning, etc.).
We
can all learn from each other, what to do and what not to do. Here is something to think about:
JUNIORS
give you a chance to improve solid basics.
EQUALS
give you competition.
SENIORS
give you something to strive for.
