Extra Post: September

Nothing much is different when comparing this month and August. It is still the exact same work: leading groups of kids through the assigned activity. I currently regret that the actual activities very rarely involve teaching. Mostly I am judging games, with the occasional kata or weapon. I am planning to discuss this with my mentor. I hope to work with Anthony and gain a closer understanding of how he teaches.

Speaking of Anthony, he's the person I interviewed. He's a Nidan (Second-degree black belt) who's

 been learning and teaching longer than I. Besides my mentor and his wife, Anthony is one of my better examples for teaching.

The key word is better, because there are other examples for teaching. Specifically, there are 3 other black belts who teach the older kids and adults alongside Sensei, Anthony being among them. Anthony suggested I take as much information as I can from other upper belts and apply their knowledge to my project. I plan on doing exactly that. I hope to interview each of them at some point.

I was thinking a nice way to spice up these extra posts would be more pictures. Specifically of me and the kids. However, I don't think I can right away. The kids are anywhere from 4 to 7 years old. I expect the parents won't want their kids on the internet without permission, even if I don't give names. To rectify this, I'm considering making a permission slip or something. Just to know the parents approve of me putting pictures of their children on this blog. I will probably also have to check the city. I wouldn't be suppressed if there's some law that prevents the photography of underage persons who are being cared for by a business blah blah blah. My point is I want to do this, but I think there's a few obstacles to get around.

Throughout the month, it became harder and harder to find sources for research check that looked like they applied to my topic. I plan on checking out books next. I found a series of children's books for teaching karate that I plan to take notes on, and several books about the history and fundamentals of karate. I see it as understanding the children's point-of-views and knowing what exactly I'm teaching.

All in all, there are a few things I hope to achieve

• More interviews with the other upper belts
• Gain more experience teaching the children by doing more actual teaching
• Read books to gain a larger understanding
• Get permission from parents and possibility the city to take pictures of the kids 

Here's to a fruitful October for everyone!

Blog 6: Second Interview Preparation

1. Who is your mentor and where do they work?
My mentor is Sensei Jerome Walczak, secondary his wife Beverly. They work for the cities of La Verne, San Dimas, and Glendora teaching karate. I am mentoring in La Verne.

2. What 5 questions will you ask them about their background?
I plan on asking Sensei Jerome the following questions: "What has been the extent of your karate training?", "Who did you receive your black belt under?", "What black belt level are you?", "How long have you been practicing karate?", "How long have you been teaching karate?".

Blog 5: Mentorship and Research Reflection

1. Mentorship question: Describe your experience in how you found your mentorship?
My mentor is my karate Sensei (instructor) who I've been with for 12 years. I have already spent the majority of my volunteering with Sensei, doing exactly what I'm doing now. Asking him to be my mentor was easy.

2. Research question: What has been your most important article your have read so far and why?
My most important article has been "An Open Mind" by Peter Lindsey. It outlined many qualities he believes a karate instructor should have, and how to attain those skills. I believe this article is invaluable for an instructor, and I hope to learn from it.