COMPLETE MARTIAL ARTS CONCEPTS Teaching The Complex Art Of Kung Fu, Part 2 by Professor Willie “The Bam” Johnson Each class must be taught with a teaching plan that must be organized before each class. I mean everything must be written down in detail. It is your map for progress; it helps your instructor not to lose the point of what is important for the student. The “class agenda” as we call them should be made up based on the student’s struggle in and outside of class. You see class is not just about the physical skills needed, but life skills and philosophy as well. It covers individual basics such as strikes, footwork, stances, kicks and sweeps and then blocks on trapping skill at least three days a week. Then there are the forms, two person fighting sets, weapons, sparring grappling and self-defense for the next three days. Also warm ups, cardio, strength, and flexibility are a part of every class. The tempo of each class varies from high intensity to medium intensity all the way down to slow. Each of these levels of class serve a purpose. For example the high intensity is to exhaust them to a point where they can’t think about the next move, but just flow at a medium pace. One, it allows them to work hard and think in the present, while the slow pace allows the student to correct their skill and work on the small details. Detail notes on each student should be kept along with good job cards that should be mailed daily along with the student’s attendance. Compliments on a student’s progress in activities in and outside the school, showing them how they complement one another is important to a student’s longevity. These things make Kung Fu a way of life and it can not be taught any other way. Constant calls and regular private lessons along with group ones are key to help the student feel confident about the learning process of this complex art. The key to helping the students’ learning process remain enjoyable is keeping them in the now, helping them to not let their minds wonder what could be or what is going to happen, only on what is going on at that moment. They have to think about nothing, so therefore the mind must be empty and allow that present moment to fill it up. You see, the true secret of teaching Kung Fu is having all the things needed for class but not at the expense of losing the freedom of creative expression. This is what makes class fun, your ability to be open to the new as a teacher in order to experience what the students are presenting you with. It is like a dance and you follow their steps and lead them to the goal in a harmonious manner. Through this method of teaching we promote the growth process of true human potential and through their every effort and action inner strength is gained. As teachers we must recognize that the student’s emotions that are expressed through the technique, is about reading their body language, facial expression and eyes. You see, Kung fu can not be learned or taught in a lazy manner or with a closed mind because then everything becomes rigid and stiff. Kung Fu is free flowing and must flow to bring forth the students’ great spirit from within. A spirit that is greater than ambition, confidence, determination, vision, etc. Everything is transcended by it. It is the chi of life, a true expression of one’s inner self expressed outwardly. As teachers we must remember that we are only guided by and to inner truth and are never the giver. So as a catalyst we must continue to strive for the true expression of this complex art. And what is art; an expression of life that transcends both time and space. PROFESSOR WILLIE “THE BAM” JOHNSON is a 7th degree black belt and seventime sport karate and Kung-Fu world champion. He has appeared in four movies, 16 plays, and 11 television shows. He is also the national spokesperson for the Stronger than Drugs Foundation and the Champions Against Drugs. 80 MARTIAL ARTS WORLD NEWS VOLUME <strong>22</strong> | ISSUE 3
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