Learning with the kids

Thursday, 28 April 2011 22:48

Today my journey in Jiu Jitsu continued when I took my very first (small) step into teaching. I've mentioned in my blog before that my ultimate goal is to become a teacher.

"Hey Professor" I shouted after my friend and teacher a few weeks ago "Just so you know - my pathway is to become a teacher - I just want you to know that"

I let that seed take root and not long after we started talking about transferring the work I do with Youth in Scouts to helping out at the kids class. Professor Britto and Eduardo discussed with me how I could get started and today I had my first class were I helped Coach Mikey and my team mate Brodie with the kids.

When I went into the Dojo there were about 20 kids running around playing soccer in their mini blue Gi's using pads as goal posts. I knew right away there was only 1 thing to do...jump in. The ball came to me and I held it above my head and challenged them to take ift from me. And then about 10 kids jumped me and took me to the floor. Mikey too had about 4 kids tackling him. I was smothered by laughing kids who only wanted to have fun with their new teacher.

The class is 45 minutes long and when Mikey called forma the kids were brimming with energy. I had no idea what way the class would work. With all the parents watching, it started as we start our classes with running in circles warming up but it was designed more for kids (bear crawls, slow motion running) - childish variations of what we do in class. If the kids are acting up they do 'kangaroo jumps' (which they love). Most of the class we played games. I feel that I was able to fit in well. I used my experience working with kids to connect with as many as I could. They were calling me 'The Scott' and seemed to accept me into their world. They wanted to high 5 me alot.

The kids of one of my team mates and my Pastor, Rob, latched onto me and I spent most of my time with them. His daughter and son came to me and we ended up in corner just playing our own games for a while. I then sent them back into the class to learn the technique Mikey was going to teach.

The 'technique' was turtle position to rolling to take the back and get your hooks in and I helped my new friend who had no partner. And while she was wanting to 'play' I could tell she was trying and by the end she had the move down. I felt proud that she mustered through and actually learned the technique. I could see she was too.

Then Forma was called and it was over.

I was so happy doing this. It made my heart glad to be involved. It's a cross between babysitting, teaching and discipline. It's BJJ for kids and I loved it. I can't wait to fully take on this new challenge and see where it leads me.

I didn't get a juice box at the end though! ...Next time.

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