Building Emotional Resilience
Instructors and coaches tend to be hard on students for a variety of reasons, and it can vary depending on the coach's or instructors personality, style, the sport or activity involved, and the specific context.
Martial arts like most sports and other competitive activities require a certain amount of mental toughness, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure. Coaches and instructors may adopt a tough approach to help students develop these qualities. By putting students in demanding situations, pushing them beyond their comfort zones, and challenging their limits, they aim to build mental fortitude and teach students how to overcome adversity.
Emotional resilience refers to the ability to adapt and bounce back from challenging or stressful situations, emotional setbacks and adversity. It involves developing inner strength, mental toughness, and the capacity to cope effectively with ups and downs. Being strong in such situations involves developing this emotional resilience and maintaining a confident mindset. Building emotional resilience is an ongoing process that takes time, so be patient as you navigate these challenges. The instructors and coaches are not here to bully you, they are are here helping you develop the emotional resilience that can can help you thrive in the face of real adversity.
Pushing for Improvement: Instructors focus on helping students reach their full potential. They may push students to work harder, set higher standards, and demand discipline and dedication in order to foster growth and improvement. We believe that challenging our students will lead to better results and help them develop the necessary skills and mindset to excel in their activity.
Verbal sparring. Remember “Sticks and Stone.” The instructors may call out students. Name calling or ragging are a form of verbal sparring that each students needs to learn to overcome and at times ignore. If the student gets his or her feeling hurt they may be unable to control their actions. Emotional leakage is a term used to describe an individual that cannot control their emotions, leading to tears or outburst that may make a situation worse. Through verbal sparring the student learns to overcome perceived bullying. “Be like a duck and let it roll like water off your back!” Are you really a knucklehead?
Preparing for Competition: Instructors often have the responsibility of preparing students for competition. In competitive environments, the standards and expectations can be higher, and coaches may adopt a tough coaching style to simulate the pressure and intensity of real competitions. By pushing students during training, coaches aim to prepare them to perform at their best when it matters most.
Instilling Discipline and Accountability: Instructors may use strict or demanding methods to instill discipline, responsibility, and accountability in their students. They may want to teach students the importance of commitment, punctuality, respect, and teamwork. By setting high expectations and holding students accountable for their actions, coaches aim to develop strong character traits that extend beyond the sport or activity itself.
Creating a Competitive Environment: Many instructors believe that creating a highly competitive training environment, where standards are demanding and expectations are high, can bring out the best in their students. By fostering healthy competition and pushing students to outperform each other, coaches aim to create an atmosphere of continuous improvement and motivate students to strive for excellence.
It's important to note that while some coaches may have a strict coaching style, effective coaching also includes support, encouragement, and positive reinforcement. A balance between pushing students to achieve their best and providing a nurturing and supportive environment is crucial for the overall development and well-being of each student.
Trust the training. Remember that not all verbal or physical attacks warrant engagement or response. Assess the situation and prioritize your well-being. Sometimes, disengaging and walking away is the best course of action to protect yourself.
