Real-Life Decision Making
Being a martial arts instructor requires a careful blend of toughness and
understanding. Mastering the martial arts takes years of practice and the
careful guidance of a dedicated mentor.
But for every student who listens and understands the true values of martial
arts, there is another who is interested only in learning how to fight.
You're a martial arts instructor leading a class of 15 adults. It's
the fifth week of class and you have gotten to know the personalities of almost
everyone.
There are several women who want to learn to defend themselves,
a couple of middle-aged men looking for variety in their fitness routines
and some elderly people who want more flexibility. And there is one person
who you are concerned about.
This young man has been brash and aggressive from the first class. When
you taught the class to bow to each other and to you, he made a half-hearted
attempt -- a sign of disrespect.
Last week, when you paired the class off for sparring drills, he threw
his much smaller opponent to the floor and shouted as if he'd won the
Olympics.
This week's class is a crucial one. You are moving the students into
more advanced territory. This means the chances for injury are great if everyone
is not paying close attention. Sure enough, your trouble pupil shows up late,
refuses to bow and then proceeds to flex his muscles during warmups.
You think it's time to address this problem. What do you do?