“Instructor’s Corner”
by Lee Lerchen
Last July I had the good fortune of judging the United States Open Karate Tournament in Orlando. I always enjoy judging since it gives me the opportunity to observe the various styles and the representatives from numerous and diverse schools.
On the average I judge about two tournaments a month, which, although they may not be completely accurate, like most people, I tend to draw certain conclusions about styles and specific schools from what I see.
Most competitors at the matches, along with their instructors and spectators seem to have a good time and enjoy themselves, but, as with any competition sport there are always winners and losers. I have always tried to look on the bright side of losing, which by the way, I have considerable expertise, and remember that it was a learning experience for me.
Unfortunately, not everyone subscribes to that theory. I recognize disappointment, I’ve had my share, but I have little tolerance for the antics of a small, select, group of competitors. Let me emphasize “small.”
My attention was first drawn to these individuals as I ducked to avoid a direct hit from a thrown head gear. Apparently, the so called competitor had lost his match and in an act to endear himself to those assembled, threw his protective head gear in the general direction of the judges. Since then I’m poised for flight each time a match ends. Not that I’m especially concerned with. being hit by flying gear: my concern is for the competitor should I get hit.
For the most part these “competitors”, and I use the word loosely, restrict their expressions of disappointment to profanity, arguing with judges, or stomping off the floor to be consoled by their fellow barbarian friends.
At times’ parents, instructors, or coaches may add to the fiasco by expressing similar sentiments. Fortunately they don’t usually throw gear; I don’t think I could duck more than one at a time. I’m always amazed at the self control exhibited by the judges. Like me, judges are usually not as young as the participants (I’m being diplomatic.) Maybe as we get older we become somewhat more tolerant of inappropriate behavior (with the exception of flying headgear).
Spectators viewing this kind of behavior will first think, “How Childish” but given a little time they will eventually begin to associate that competitor with his school. Competitor equals school.
I realize that we as instructors can only govern the actions of our students while under our immediate control, so, getting past that, what to do to keep one undisciplined student from damaging the good name of our respective schools.
For those of you who don’t find a big problem with “flying head gear” read no further!
Well I’m glad there are a few of you that agree… I firmly believe that the “flying head gear” competitor exhibits his intolerable behavior with a certain degree of acceptance by his school. Or if not accepted, then tolerated.
Thank God I have only seen one of our students act out his hostility upon failing to take first place in competition. After the incident, which was brief, I did a little detective work and found out from his instructor that the student was no longer interested in the martial arts and only continued his lessons and tournament competition at the insistence of his parents.
I’ve always found it a sad commentary on our society when parents find it necessary to live out their own fantasies through their children. We· were able to reconcile this matter with the student and his parents with a simple yet effective solution. “If he does it again. he’s out of the school“, or words to that effect.
Was that too harsh? Were we too severe? Should we have ignored his outburst? We didn’t rush out screaming threats at the student. We didn’t take the student’s side in the matter and become part of the problem. We didn’t console the parents and agree that the judges were unfair. What we did was attend the competition to cheer on our students. We watched closely and agreed that our student didn’t deserve first place. We were truthful with the parents and made it clear that we agreed with the judges. We contacted his instructor for insight into the student before we made any decisions. We sought input, were truthful, and decisive. We were fair to the student, the parents, and we protected the good name of our school and it’s instructors.
The young man still competes. He wins some and he loses some, but he is no longer a “flying head gear” student. He knows better! His parents know better! Word gets around a school at the speed of light. This school doesn’t tolerate childish behavior, and believe me, all the parents, instructors, and students got the word.
Discipline and respect must be taught as an integral part of any martial art. It doesn’t have to be the equivalent of a Marine boot camp, but it must be there. Although you may not be comfortable with it at first, in the long run, you, and your students will be proud not to be viewed as a “flying head gear” school.
November 1995
