# The Difficulty of Teaching Structure in Martial Arts

- Link: https://brianejohns.com/2023/11/08/the-difficulty-of-teaching-structure-in-martial-arts/
- Published: 2023-11-08T11:30:00-05:00
- Author: Brian Johns

Teaching martial arts involves more than just physical techniques.[ One must teach structure along with techniques](https://brianejohns.com/2024/01/24/navigating-between-too-much-or-just-enough/).
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.

If you are not able to view the video, go [here](https://youtu.be/KdoTaPBWkdA?si=IZJ-y00eBP3j5Z1k).

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](https://brianejohns.com/2020/02/03/blog-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.

If you are not able to see this OLD video, go [here](https://youtu.be/XGiQ3ZwYidg?si=-R1C7EpUX457TvcR).

## 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](https://brianejohns.com/2024/03/18/video-of-the-week-4-using-the-center-line/)
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](https://brianejohns.com/2023/07/26/400-day-countdown-to-60/),
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.

> View this post on Instagram
> [A post shared by Brian Johns, Instructor (@brianejohns)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzUJx-KuiSR/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading)

**Push-up test.**

> View this post on Instagram
> [A post shared by Brian Johns, Instructor (@brianejohns)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzUKQoNuKix/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading)

**Post-pushup test commentary.**

![](https://i0.wp.com/brianejohns.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Blog-Supporters-
Thank-You.png?resize=940%2C788&ssl=1)

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