disruptive spectators

In a Martial Arts class, spectators will always watch quietly until someone sits down next to them.  Then, the talking begins.  Trying to teach a class while parents or others are talking can be very frustrating to the instructor and to students trying to concentrate on what the teacher is saying.

Parents instinctively know that they should not talk while visiting their child in a schoolroom.  They know that it is not proper to talk at the theater or at church.  However, spectators often forget that talking amongst themselves in a recreational environment indoors bothers others. Spectators are not above the act of learning in a Martial Arts program.  However, the instructor must maintain a balance by not insulting or personally offending the onlooker, especially if they pay the tuition. The following technique is a unique way to make a point, teach a lesson, and empower young students.  This lesson works best when the offender is a parent or someone related to the student in class. Without drawing attention to the problem, the instructor should quietly approach the student who knows those holding the unauthorized conversation.  Then the instructor should whisper to the student a question.  “Would you please approach those talking on the sidelines and ask them not to talk during class?”  Make sure that the student makes the comment to the spectator respectfully- whispering the message in the offender’s ear quietly, without drawing the attention of others.  The student should communicate that the instructor would appreciate being the only one talking in during class.

Then, watch the reaction of those involved.  The conversationalists will stop talking.  Everyone will smile to himself or herself knowing that a lesson in humility was successfully learned by all.