The Power of Concise Communication in Martial Arts Instruction

Effective martial arts instruction relies on clear and authoritative communication. Using fewer words and avoiding slang can significantly enhance your teaching and maintain your professional presence. Here’s how concise communication and the elimination of slang contribute to effective instruction:

1. Embrace Concise Language

Using fewer words in your instructions and commands can make your teaching more effective. Concise language:

  • Shows Preparedness: Brevity in instruction indicates that you are organized and know exactly what you want to achieve in the lesson.
  • Demonstrates Professionalism: Clear, direct language reflects your commitment to excellence and maintains the focus on the lesson’s objectives.
  • Prevents Misunderstanding: Short, specific commands are less likely to be misunderstood or misinterpreted by students.

Examples of Concise Commands:

  • Instead of, “Hey guys, can I get you to, like, move over here? That would be awesome,” use, “Stand up and walk over here.”
  • Rather than, “You need to, like, put your guard up,” say, “Put your guard up.”

2. Avoid Slang Words

Slang, often used by younger people to distance themselves from older generations, can undermine your authority and clarity. Common slang words to avoid include:

  • Like: This word introduces vagueness. For example, “You need to, like, put your guard up” is less clear than “Put your guard up.”
  • Awesome: While enthusiastic, using “awesome” to describe every action, such as “That punch was awesome,” can diminish the impact of the term and set unrealistic standards.
  • Man: Referring to students or adults as “man” can be seen as disrespectful or informal. Use “sir” or “ma’am” to maintain respect and formality.

3. Enhance Professionalism and Respect

Eliminating slang and using clear, authoritative language helps maintain a professional atmosphere in your classes. This approach:

  • Promotes Respect: Students are more likely to respect and respond to clear, formal language.
  • Sets High Standards: By avoiding slang, you model the excellence you expect from your students, aligning with the principles of Black Belt Attitude.

4. Practical Implementation

  • Prepare Your Instructions: Plan your commands and instructions to be clear and concise before teaching.
  • Practice Professional Language: Regularly review and adjust your language to eliminate slang and ensure clarity.
  • Model Excellence: Demonstrate the communication skills you expect from your students, reinforcing the importance of professionalism.

By focusing on concise language and avoiding slang, you enhance your effectiveness as an instructor, maintain authority, and provide clear, professional guidance to your students.