Instructors Coaching Course
8 October 2006

by Master Adam Goward (6th Duan)
Regional Director, Surrey, Sussex & Kent

The British Tang Sou Dao Federation (BTSDF) is always seeking to improve the quality and ability of its instructors, which is why the BTSDF run coaching courses.

Grandmaster Loke observes Instructors on the coaching course
in trial lesson sessions

Not only is it an ideal opportunity for various instructors from different parts of the UK to get together and share their experiences with fellow coaches, but also a chance for new ones to learn and even try to teach a class for the first time.

Grandmaster Loke addresses one of the trial classes
observed by Masters and senior instructors who are
called upon for constructive criticism

There is so much more to being an instructor than just standing in front of a class and shouting instructions at the students! Firstly the proposed new instructor will have been with the BTSDF for three to five years before attaining their black belt, 1st Duan, and in this time Grandmaster Loke or senior instructors would know him or her very well.

Master Adam Goward (6th Duan) (right of picture)
gives advice to the new instructors after observing
their performance in a trial class

Also, he or she would have assisted in class with beginners or junior belts under the watchful eye of their instructor.

Trial class for a new instructor, forward stance (chean ma bu)

Each 'would be' instructor is given an instructors' pack. This includes all they need to know regarding administration, safety, risk management, the law, insurance, teaching children, competition and much more in the 70-page pack.

One of the new instructor candidates takes the class. Fellow
Duan grades take the roles of different coloured belts,
some making deliberate mistakes to see if the instructor
has noticed and how he will correct them

Master Goward (6th Duan) observes.
Mark Hancock (2nd on left) took the role of 'the yellow
tag who could not turn the right way!' whilst Tony Sellen
(2nd on right) sets a good example

Obviously we carry out enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks, ensure that each instructor is fully insured, trained in first aid and has been on at least one of our coaching courses.

Jonathan King, 1st Duan (Epsom) instructs.
Forward Stance (chean ma bu)

Counting the class through each movement

If you have attained your Duan grade with the BTSDF and are interested in becoming an instructor, ask your instructor or contact BTSDF HQ to find out more.

Tang Sou!

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