Youth Teaching Tips: Forms

Chon-Ji Form Demonstration

During the time I have been in Karate, I have always learned a form. Whenever I went to a school, they always had me learn a kata. It usually was something short, since I didn’t just start at black belt.

When I started to teach, I would teach students who had a better sense of how to do the form then me.

They could really snap well, and their stances were great. When I started to get better, I would teach newer students. They could pick up very fast. The only thing that worried me was their technique. I would sometimes get frustrated and I wouldn’t know what to tell them.

I forgot to keep in mind that, even though their technique might have been terrible, they were still brand new. I later learned that, and I became more patient. I made sure that I taught how to do the form slower. The students were able to do well, just as long as I made sure they practiced!

—Bilana (Gen-Ki Evanston Youth Leader)

Tribute to Sensei Zachary "Zach" Bradley

After volunteering his martial arts expertise to the north Evanston community for almost 20 years, Sensei Zachary Bradley passed away in fall of 2013. He taught many people over this span of time. He was a quiet man, never seeking the spotlight.

Out of all the self-defense techniques, forms and drills, the most important thing he taught was to be respectful and open-minded to all and any styles of martial arts. Sensei Zachary Bradley was a unique Karate teacher in that he was also a Hapkido and Taekwondo master. One would always hear him use Japanese terms for techniques, while teaching the traditional "old style" Taekwondo forms (hyung).

In the video above, one of Sensei Zach Bradley's long-time students, Michael, explain what it was like being a student. This interview was made in 2011.

Sensei Zach Bradley also desired to see women excel in martial arts. This video from 2011 demonstrates that desire in how he corrected one of his younger high-rank students. If you were a student, please let your voice be heard in the comments section below.