1/13/07

Convincing

A couple of us at the school came up with a plan to prepare Master Rion for his upcoming 4th degree test. It's going to require (at least) two black belts to make this happen.


Fortunately, Master Rion is OK with this idea.


Unfortunately, we have to make (even) more time for it to work.


Classes in Atkins have been larger than normal for at least 6 months now. That was about the time a large group of families all joined. To any well-established school of many years that wouldn't be a concern. In this case we have one glaring limitation: Too few black belts.


I'm the only other black belt in TKD whose consistently there to help with class. Mr. Lee has been getting out there lately, which should help. He's just getting into the instructor ranks, so we should have him up to speed in very little time. Other than Brian Lee, Mr Waddell is there all the time. He's just getting back into it & has to learn all the self-defense & punch techniques before he's able to lead class.


The second part of the plan - & this is really the important part - is to have Mr. Reif (1st degree in HKD) work with Master Rion on the techniques required for his 4th Dan testing. For that to happen, we need every senior belt to step things up.


I know all of that is possible. The only thing that might hold it back is, ironically, Master Rion's dedication to his own students. He's sacrificed so much to get the school where it is, that I suspect he feels he's letting the school down by taking any time to himself. This is one of many reasons why he's earned my loyalty as a student & friend.


The thing we, as his junior instructors, need is to convince him in a respectful way that spending time getting ready will ultimately make the school stronger. While I concede the students will want for lack of his leadership in class for a couple months it's an experience we can use to develop maturity in some of the children moving up to senior positions.

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