New, unified syllabus (same for both kids and adults)
7 stripes, 7 core concepts
Yellow- Vocabulary of Motion (how you move, flow)
White- 6 Harmonies (forms) Red- Keystone Principles (have to become progressively better)
Green- Lifestyle & Leadership (if your lifestyle doesn’t support your Kung Fu, you won’t pass your grading, core values, leadership)
Blue- Traditional Tenets (2000 yrs old, still around for a reason, still relevant)
Orange- Dynamic Control (even with changing situation, exemplified with ability to handle a weapon)
Black- Wuxin (no mind, how you should be able to apply your Kung Fu in real time; no syllabus, last to be earned)
If asked, the answer needs to be specific to each student. What they do7 to earn it or what they need to work on. Specific with weapon forms or hand forms. As specific or vague as needed with keystone principles, vocabulary of motion, etc.
The CURRICULUM has never changed. The syllabus has been changed, yes, but adjusted in such a way to make better black belts, to address the weaknesses that have been noted, make the road better for upcoming generations.
Train to learn the curriculum. Teach to teach the curriculum. The syllabus is just a list of tools. Teach what the class needs, do not just teach to serve a piece of paper.
Keep each other on the right path. If you see one of us teaching just to stripe or knock it off a list, bring it up. If students are asking “what do I need for x stripe?”, this is a warning that they are working to be striped, not to learn Kung Fu.
Need to always apply a high level of control and a high level of discipline in all the classes (eg. 3 points of contact on the stick). Free sparing needs to be taught and not just done. Control needs to be taught and maintained.
This is a learning curve. Ask someone who understands if you do not. Do not just regurgitate answers you’ve heard given; understand why that answer was given to that student. Develop your own vocabulary.
Ego based teaching is the problem (this is not equal to arrogance). For ourselves vs. for the student. Teaching what we know instead of teaching what the student needs. Going into detail and taking away their chance to get the reps in. Even if you have something great to say, consider how it will be received or if it will help.
We need to have each other backs. We have some problem students; we need to be watching for disrespectful attitudes. It can’t be up to the individual being disrespected to enforce.
We need to maintain control and recognize when we’re losing control. In this case, we need a reset.
Make sure you are visible to all students. Be mindful of the guys in the back in the center.