Wow, what can I say? AMA has done it again. I did not start Taekwondo to get a black belt. Like many parents, I started because my child was doing it and it seemed like a bit of fun. But before I knew it our family of three were in front of the Grand Master, performing our hearts out to pass that final test, hoping to walk out the door with a black belt around our wastes. Several years on, I didn't start the instructor course to become an instructor. Yet last night I helped with two classes where I looked after a whole range of kids. I even had to interact with a parent! 😁 And I found myself wanting to come back next week to see them all again. After that I joined in Black Belt Club where I enjoyed a masterclass from Mr Mark on both instructing AND taekwondo! Then I raced home to pick up the family for the 6:45 Sydenham class.... where I was invited by Mr Lincoln to lead the stretches! It was a big day, I was exhausted and sore afterwards, But I had two resounding thoughts going through my head: "I've done something good!" and "AMA is just amazing" So, I am utterly inspired to finish my homework and get that certificate! And I really look forward to continuing to connect with everyone in this group!

I'm now up to the fourth or fifth training session. Grading time is a great time to be helping out as the grading material is pretty much set so you can experiment with energy levels and delivery. Encouraging the students during warm ups and little corrections have been really enjoyable and rewarding, seeing the reserved students come out of their shells with a bit of encouragement is a real blast. I'm still nervous, I don't want to get the lesson wrong for the students, but that's getting less with every class and with more experience. I highly recommend giving it a go if you haven't already!

I lead the stretches in class last night - my first time in front of the class as an instructor... Or 'guest stretcher' at least 😁 I really enjoyed it. I've been doing this particular class for a while so I know the group pretty well and I was greeted with a big smile from everyone which was lovely. I was determined to start with Charyot/kyong ye and I'm so glad that I did. I have to say that it really centered me as well as setting up the class. I went through the pretty regular routine and didn't forget anything I'd had in my head which I was stoked about. I did some "left" and "right" with mirroring which started off really well but I lost track of it a little bit so dropped back to "other side... change" and everyone still followed along nicely. I didn't check the clock but I felt like my pace and overall time was really good. All up, a great experience 😊

I hatched an idea on Sunday to reach out to the Physio studio that helped with my recovery from my torn meniscus, and contacted them on Monday to see if they were open to the idea of my short introductory class on TKD for their staff, avoiding their clients under the obvious issues of liability and short notice. I got a positive response Monday Afternoon, and went in Today to train two of their students who volunteered to participate this afternoon around 2pm. recorded, edited and submitted this evening. PHEW ..... !

Hi Everyone! Your week 4 worksheet and slides for tonights training call is now available in the classroom tab. To access them: 1. Click classroom tab 2. Click on the Certification Course folder 3. Click on Week 4 4. Click on worksheet and download 5. Click on the slides and download