Between Coaching and Learning

When I started learning Taekwondo (TKD) at the age of 14 years old, I always thought that when I obtain my black belt - I will be able to train others like my Taekwondo coach but I was dead wrong.

Being a black belt in Taekwando does not earn you the skills and knowledge in coaching others. Even if you attended a Taekwondo Coaching course, it won't prepare you for a career or part-time career in "training" people in Taekwondo. Coaching is a totally x 2 different game and require a different mindset, skills and knowledge. You need a lot of energy and motivation when facing your students.

During one of my six (6) month "break" from the corporate HR life - my Taekwondo coach (a lady) - offered me the opportunity to work as a part-time "assistant instructor". I took the $11 per hour offer immediately.

it was a very different experience, the transition of being a TKD black belt student to an assistant TKD instructor.

As an instructor: -

• you need to know "who" is your student (either adults or children) and apply different training methodology;
• you need to be able to transfer your knowledge to your student;
• you need to motivate them and most important of all - give them the confident to perform a movement or a kick;
• for children - getting their attention and focus is a priority;
• for adults - focus on the techniques is the main priority and it is always good to find-out their past injury or health problem - don't push them too much!

I hope by sharing this experiences, those who want to be a TKD / martial arts  coach or instructor will be more prepared!

p/s - the pay is not that great but the satisfaction is some thing that no body can take away from you.