Today I just want to write one thing, an idea I've been kicking around.

Teaching kids is super challenging sometimes and I admit that some kids are more of a challenge than others. I'm sure any teacher or parent has encountered this. Some kids are a pleasure to teach, naturally focused, talented, respectful......and then there are others. I really try to spread my teaching around, so I'm not just 'greasing the squeaky wheel', I want all the kids to feel equally valued and to know that I'm there to help them. Sometimes I'll look around and realize that I haven't even spoken to one of the kids all class long. It really bothers me when I notice this.

One the other hand, the squeaky wheel kids are often the ones who need kung fu the most. They need to learn that focus, respect, etc. all the lessons that kung fu teaches. All of us instructors have seen cases of a student who starts out defiant and difficult and ends up doing a complete 180. It's the most rewarding thing you can see as a teacher. I know the value of kung fu, that's why I love it, and to be able to successfully share that with someone is....absolutely amazing. It's my purpose for being here and my goal with all my students. Which is in the forefront of my mind when trying to reach each kid in class.