Many students are choosing the option to do some or all of their training at home. While working in-studio with an experienced Sensei is the optimal experience, replacing or supplementing this with virtual training has many worthwhile benefits. Many students can't get to the dojo as often as they wish and doing a class or two from home keeps their skills on par. Kids on vacation are able to keep up with classmates by dropping in to a live class when out of town. Pre-recorded materials are also helpful to students who wish to practice on their own but need guidance or help remembering their curriculum. Virtual training may sometimes be the only option for someone in a remote location or with no access to transportation. Here are some tips for preparing for live stream classes.
Training space: Choose a spot that has enough room to take several steps in each direction. A plain background is best whenever possible, especially a blank wall. Sometimes a grassy outdoor area can be used if there is no direct sunlight, but have a back-up spot in case of bad weather. Students should be visible in their screen from head to toe in order to receive the best teacher feedback in live classes. Floors can be carpeted or hard surfaces, just not slippery. Students should be able to be safely barefoot. Lighting should be adequate; put a lamp by your device if needed to shed some light on the student and allow better visibility of them to the instructor. What the teacher sees is as important as what the student sees. With a live class, there can be a lot of constructive interaction.
Electronics: Have a safe and sturdy spot to mount whatever device the student will use to stream class. The best option is to attach a television or large monitor for best visibility. Do a test with the camera function to get an idea of what the teacher will see. The best view to use for the screen during a live stream class is “speaker” view. Typically, students who do not turn on video option will not be allowed into class. This is a security measure for everyone. Be sure to join the live class early to make sure video and microphone functions are ready.
Tools: Have all necessary training items handy. Wear a uniform or if not applicable, a solid color top and bottom. As in any exercise program, hair should be pulled back off of the face. Again, these things help the instructor to better view students' positions and make corrections to form. For example, the Kensho dojo requests students to keep 2 small soup cans for weight drills and a small chair or folding chair nearby as a support for kicking drills. Sometimes classes for the young children involve using items or props found around the house or even a downloaded worksheet. Be sure to know what is required before class and have these things handy.
Etiquette: All mics should be muted when class begins. Teachers will unmute when they wish to communicate. Students should not be touching device controls or trying to speak to the instructors during class. Raising hands is the way to ask any question. Other people and siblings should not be speaking to the student unless absolutely necessary. Young siblings should not be in the room for their own safety. Students are responsible for creating and maintaining their training space. Students must treat the virtual training time as if they were in the dojo. Often the teachers will open meetings up a few minutes before or after class so kids can ask questions and socialize.
Parents: Younger students often need some parental attention during class. Like the dojo, leaving the room, sitting down, getting drinks etc is not allowed and some younger kids in their own homes need some guidance to stay focused. They also don't always realize that the teacher can see them! Kids who constantly leave the meeting area, do not participate or comply with the instructor will often be removed from the room. This is not a punishment. It is very important for instructors to keep their focus making sure students are learning in their solo environments. Students who are just not willing on that given day can take the instructors attention from everyone. If parent and instructor have too much difficulty keeping the student engaged, it may be time to investigate other options such as practice with pre-recorded materials, have a one-on-one etc. Virtual learning is not easy for young kids, they may need smaller steps before joining a class.
Training space: Choose a spot that has enough room to take several steps in each direction. A plain background is best whenever possible, especially a blank wall. Sometimes a grassy outdoor area can be used if there is no direct sunlight, but have a back-up spot in case of bad weather. Students should be visible in their screen from head to toe in order to receive the best teacher feedback in live classes. Floors can be carpeted or hard surfaces, just not slippery. Students should be able to be safely barefoot. Lighting should be adequate; put a lamp by your device if needed to shed some light on the student and allow better visibility of them to the instructor. What the teacher sees is as important as what the student sees. With a live class, there can be a lot of constructive interaction.
Electronics: Have a safe and sturdy spot to mount whatever device the student will use to stream class. The best option is to attach a television or large monitor for best visibility. Do a test with the camera function to get an idea of what the teacher will see. The best view to use for the screen during a live stream class is “speaker” view. Typically, students who do not turn on video option will not be allowed into class. This is a security measure for everyone. Be sure to join the live class early to make sure video and microphone functions are ready.
Tools: Have all necessary training items handy. Wear a uniform or if not applicable, a solid color top and bottom. As in any exercise program, hair should be pulled back off of the face. Again, these things help the instructor to better view students' positions and make corrections to form. For example, the Kensho dojo requests students to keep 2 small soup cans for weight drills and a small chair or folding chair nearby as a support for kicking drills. Sometimes classes for the young children involve using items or props found around the house or even a downloaded worksheet. Be sure to know what is required before class and have these things handy.
Etiquette: All mics should be muted when class begins. Teachers will unmute when they wish to communicate. Students should not be touching device controls or trying to speak to the instructors during class. Raising hands is the way to ask any question. Other people and siblings should not be speaking to the student unless absolutely necessary. Young siblings should not be in the room for their own safety. Students are responsible for creating and maintaining their training space. Students must treat the virtual training time as if they were in the dojo. Often the teachers will open meetings up a few minutes before or after class so kids can ask questions and socialize.
Parents: Younger students often need some parental attention during class. Like the dojo, leaving the room, sitting down, getting drinks etc is not allowed and some younger kids in their own homes need some guidance to stay focused. They also don't always realize that the teacher can see them! Kids who constantly leave the meeting area, do not participate or comply with the instructor will often be removed from the room. This is not a punishment. It is very important for instructors to keep their focus making sure students are learning in their solo environments. Students who are just not willing on that given day can take the instructors attention from everyone. If parent and instructor have too much difficulty keeping the student engaged, it may be time to investigate other options such as practice with pre-recorded materials, have a one-on-one etc. Virtual learning is not easy for young kids, they may need smaller steps before joining a class.
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