The Difficulty of Teaching Structure in Martial Arts

Teaching martial arts involves more than just physical techniques. One must teach structure along with techniques. I have found that teaching structure is much more challenging than a martial art’s physical techniques.

But what is structure? Structure includes stances, footwork, positioning, body posture and much more. Through my experience in teaching students in classes and private lessons, I have found that proper structure is the biggest hurdle for many students. It’s one thing to teach single sinawali but another thing to focus on integrating their entire body while doing that drill.

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Teaching structure can be challenging, particularly when working with students of varying skill levels and learning styles. I find it extra difficult for students who are more fascinated with technique than, for example, the proper footwork for the technique.

Constant Reminders About Structure

Most instructors reading this post will not be surprised to learn that I constantly remind the students to move their feet or not to bend over when executing a technique. Staying on top of their structure constitutes most of my teaching nowadays. Techniques will be suboptimal if the underlying structure is weak. Simple as that.

The number one issue for me? Footwork wins by a country mile. I can’t tell you how often I’ve corrected a student stepping within my check-hand range. “I’m going to punch you now!” In other ways, they stepped the wrong way. In addition, weight distribution while stepping is also key. See the video below.

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Individual Learning Styles

Every student has a unique way of grasping information and processing it. Some students prefer visual demonstrations, while others respond better to verbal explanations or hands-on guidance. Teaching structure in martial arts requires me to adapt my teaching methods to accommodate various learning styles. Students often have different preferences regarding how I stand in relation to them while demonstrating a concept. For example, some like to stand behind me, while others like to stand next to me and imitate my movements.

Overcoming Resistance to Structure

Hands-on instruction is the best way to teach structure. If a student steps the wrong way within range of my check hand, I’ll touch their forehead. This sends the message that I could have punched them. If their arm crosses their center line, I’ll trap their elbow and disrupt their posture. There are many more examples. Sometimes, a verbal reminder is all they need.

Once students realize that structure underlies good technique, they become more aware of its importance. Some students take longer than others to learn to move correctly. I admit that there are a couple who have tried my patience. But they eventually got it!

Conclusion

Teaching structure in martial arts is a challenge. Some students catch on to structural concepts in a short amount of time, while others seem to take forever to master proper body structure. Be patient with them. They will stretch your teaching horizons! Once they learn great body structure, they will go on to martial arts mastery!

In Other News

After nine weeks of hard lifting, I took a regularly scheduled break last week. My body needed the break, and my mental batteries needed to be recharged. Let me tell you, I NEEDED THE BREAK! I resumed lifting yesterday with a tweaked routine and felt it this morning. My next scheduled week-long break is Christmas week. PERFECT!

Come to think about it, this is a very structured approach to lifting and recovery.

The great thing about regularly scheduled breaks every eight weeks is the opportunity to tweak or change your routine to avoid burnout. I have opted to add a few exercises to my current lifting routine. I would term these additions to be “minor tweaks.” It is most assuredly not a significant overhaul. As stated earlier, my goal is “160 and 60 by my 60th.” 160 pounds and 60 push-ups by my 60th birthday.

Recently, I did a test push-up session to gauge my progress. It turns out that I have a ways to go. See the video below and my post-test commentary.

Lastly, please consider buying me a beer or a cup of coffee.

I need your help defraying the increasing expenses of the blog/website. You’ll be recognized for your contribution. 😉

A huge thank you in advance!