What I’ve Learned From Our Young Samurais

Mat Chat

One of my new ventures is as a karate instructor, and over the last three weeks, I have spent time shadowing other dojos in our academy.

This has not only allowed me to witness some incredible instruction of technique, but it has also given me insight into the behaviour of people.

I’ve witnessed dedication, skill, mastery, determination and sheer hard work. However, I have learnt the most from our little samurais. These are the 4 – 7-year-old age group, and they are a source of inspiration and energy.

At the start of class, we always have a “mat chat”. This is a time to bring them together before the class formally starts, where we start to get them to focus on the behaviours we expect on the mat. Focus and respect are encouraged, and we ensure that this is done in a fun environment.

Last week, I led the “mat chat” at one of the dojos I was visiting. We were having a great time discussing what they had liked that day at school, whether they had eaten fruit and vegetables that day and whether they had taken on enough water. They also have the opportunity to ask questions.

One little samurai put their hand up, and so I asked them what their question was. “Are you a girl or a boy?” came the question.

As I have short hair and we don’t wear any jewellery on the mat, that is a perfectly justifiable question. “I am a girl, I know I have short hair, but I am a girl”, I replied.

“Ok,” said the samurai, “but you also have a deep voice like a man.”

Asking ‘Why?’

Answering a question with a question is not a bad thing. I’ve had extensive experience in both personal and professional circumstances where the person I am speaking with is frustrated, as I often answer a question with a question. It is just how I am wired. I need to know why!

This is replicated in my karate, I will always ask why I am doing what I am doing – whether that be a kata, a combination or anything else. What am I trying to achieve, and why?

I’ve always said that if I can be any age for my whole life, I’d like to be 5. You’ve started school, you are curious, you have energy, you can ask millions of questions, but there is a safety net of parents/carers, someone to take care of the adulting – washing, shopping, cooking, bills.

I’m going to take this thinking forward and become more ‘Little Samurai’.

How are you going to be more curious?