The volume of silence

As the saying goes, silence is golden. Sometimes speaking greatly aids in instructing, training, and learning, but sometimes it can be a hinderance. On Monday, I was fighting a sore throat, so I decided to use a technique teaching that I hadn't done in years: a silent class. I did speak a little, but only at particularly opportune times. Otherwise, all of the instruction came from demonstration and gestures.

For an instructor, such methods can be useful so that your instruction ends up being focused and clear. If you are instructing with no words, simple and explicit teaching is most beneficial. For instructors that talk a lot normally (like me), such a practice is a good reminder that holding back on comments throughout a class can be equally beneficial.

One of the benefits of this type of instruction for students is that it really forces them to focus. Concentration and awareness must be heightened when you cannot rely on conceptual information. It must all be visual — and you are forced to notice the minute details.

There is actually a tradition of teaching from Asia that does this sort of thing often. Explanations are almost never given, and a student is expected to learn technique through careful observation or diligent practice. This can either lead to prolonged ignorance... OR it can lead to a very affirming and deep understanding when one makes a breakthrough experientially.

If nothing else, instructors are encouraged to try such methods for the challenge it poses to yourself and your students.

2010 Soo Bahk Do National Festival

This last weekend I competed at the 2010 Soo Bahk Do National Festival. In the advanced ranks division my partner, Master PJ Steyer, and I won first place with this coreographed routine, so I thought I should share.



I'm the one who starts on the right with the shaved head. Supreme kudos to Noelia Lago for the great filming!