Advanced Degree Black Belts Become Assistants

Submitted by Richard Nasto, Merrick, New York

Idea posted April 17, 2006

In my Recorder Karate class, I have my black belts test for three advanced degrees (1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree black). Once they have attained their 3rd degree black belt, they become my teaching assistants. They help other students working on lower colors with their music. This helps to reinforce good habits and aides in their musical growth.

All of the other lower belts also must be PRE-tested by my assistants before they can get to me to be tested. This way, I can focus my attention on struggling students and give them more help while my assistants work on minor problems and details.