Things instructors want you to know

Students tend to look up to their instructors as the master, expert, hero, etc. This is not necessarily a bad thing but sometimes it limits the instructor's ability to do a good job. This admiration and awe causes students to not speak up at times he or she should, such as when the instructor is about to do something harmful. Good instructors want students to know certain things that will make him or her a better instructor:

• Do not take it personally if I am abrupt. Everybody has a bad some days, me included.
• I cannot make a federal case out of every issue that is important to you, such as the bad call you received at the last tournament. I have a lot of students and they all have issues that are important to them. I will do battle with anyone on your behave if I deem it necessary, just let me pick the battles that I deem important enough for me to fight on your behalf.
• I am not King Solomon; I cannot second guess every call made by referees. When the person is competent and it is a judgment call, I defer to their judgment.
• Do not give me reason to distrust you or watch you like a hawk.
• I am the "expert" on Taekwondo. That does not make me an expert of other aspects of life. Do not expect me to have all the answers to all you problems.
• When you are really upset with me about something, let me know.
• Do not ask me to talk about things that I should not or am not permitted to talk about, such as the status of other students.
• Bring me problems as soon as possible. I may be able to help you if I have enough lead time.
• Give me feedback on my performance; just be tactful, constructive, and respectful.
• I may be able to help you if you goof up, just do not do anything really stupid.
• If I am saying the wrong thing or about to something wrong, tell me. Do not let me look like a fool.
• The greatest compliment to a instructor is imitation. To have a student emulate you makes you feel you are doing something right. I will always try to be a person to emulate.
• Great followers make great leaders. If you are a great follower of my teachings, I will not hesitate to leave in charge when I am gone.
• Always do your best but do not try to upscale me.
• Always take responsibility for your actions.
• I will try to compliment you when you do something correctly, but do not always expect a compliment.
• Bath me in light but do not be too concerned about the blemishes the light may expose.