Drill 1: Dragon Rating Game

The instructor will have the Dragons demonstrate on a scale of 1-10 how they perform.

Goal: This drill will help Dragons compare what sloppiness looks like compared to performing to the best of their ability.

Set up:

Step 1: Have all of the Dragons sit like Black Belts.

Step 2: Discuss the difference between sitting like a perfect 10 and sitting like a 1.

Step 3: Have the Dragons demonstrate what a 1 would look like. 

Step 4:  Continue up the scale until they reach 10 being the best sitting position.

Step 5: Use the same concept for standing at attention.

Step 6: Continue having the Dragons rate everything they do.

Instructor Tips: Dragon like to animate. Make this drill fun by acting. The Dragons will begin to see the difference. Constantly challenge them to be a 10 in everything they do.

Drill 2: Dragon Speed

The instructor has the Dragons jog in place and gives the command “attention” as the Dragon respond as fast as they can.

Goal: This drill is a great way to get the Dragons to follow orders and respond fast.

Set up:

Step 1:  Have the Dragons make a straight line side by side facing the instructor.

Step 2:  Have the Dragons jog in place.

Step 3:  The instructor will give the command “attention”.

Step 4:  The Dragons must come to attention as fast as they can.

Step 5: Acknowledge the Dragon who is the fastest.

Instructor Tips: Make sure the Dragon don’t move when they get to attention. Remember, the drill is used to develop discipline, so make sure they respond fast. Use animation and fake motions just to add a little fun to the drill.

Drill 3: Dragon Pose

The instructor will pose all of the Dragons into a martial arts position as if they are taking a group picture.

Goal: This drill is used to teach Dragons to be still for a specific amount of time.

Set up:

Step 1:  Start with the highest-ranking Dragon. Pose that Dragon into a martial arts stance.

Step 2:  Continue to pose each Dragon until every Dragon is in the group in a specific martial arts pose.

Step 3:  Have every Dragon freeze in their pose.

Step 4:  Add variety and excitement by having the Dragons first smile in their pose for 5 seconds. Then have them look serious for 5 seconds.

Step 5:  Allow the parents to come onto the floor and take a picture.

Instructor Tips: make sure each Dragon has good technique when they are posing. The important part is that they shouldn’t move. Encourage good discipline by pointing out the sharpest Dragons.

Drill 4: Dragon Says

The drill is the same as the traditional game “Simon Says” except for “Dragons” make better role models.

Goal: This drill will help Dragons on their listening skills when your instructor gives specific commands.

Set up:

Step 1:  Line up all of the Dragons into one straight line facing the instructor.

Step 2:  Explain to the Dragons that they must listen for the command “Dragon Says” before they respond to the order.

Step 3: The Dragons who respond to the order given without the command “Dragon says” is automatically out and must sit against the wall until the drill is over.

Step 4:  The Dragon can also be ejected if they do not perform the proper technique after the command and order is given.

Step 5:  Repeat various commands until every Dragon is out.

Drill 5: Dragon Reaction Drill

The instructor will call out several martial arts techniques as the Dragons respond with loud confident answers

Goal: This drill will show the discipline of the entire class. The Dragons will learn to respond with loud confident answers.

Set up:

Step 1:  Have all of the Dragons make a straight line side by side facing the mirror.

Step 2: Face the Dragons.

Step 3: Call out a specific martial arts technique and demonstrate it with full power. 

Step 4: The Dragons must demonstrate the technique will full power and say the technique with confidence followed by saying “sir” or “ma’am” 

Instructor tips: Use this drill to capture the attention of the parents. The energy level of the classroom will boost their spirits.

Your role as the instructor is to create the vision that having good discipline is fun. Dragons like to have fun. The more you entertain them with this skill, the better discipline they will have. Try to avoid using this skill as a reason to punish them for having lack of discipline. Remember, be their friend and their hero, and they will follow your directions better.

At the end of this class, you should reward each Dragon with a white stripe showing that they have passed their discipline requirement for that belt. At testing time, you can select one or more of these drills to demonstrate in front of the judges. Each drill is designed to accommodate all ranks and styles. The higher rank the student, the more difficult techniques you should use in each drill; and the higher standards you should set for their performance.