What in the world do Karate and quilting classes have to do with each other?
At first glance, you might wonder how two seemingly unrelated things—karate and quilting—could have anything in common. But as I’ve watched my son’s journey with his Shehan (karate instructor), I’ve picked up valuable lessons that apply not only to parenting but also to teaching and running a business. Some of these lessons come directly from watching his small business flourish, and others from observing how he works with his students and their families.
Maybe there’s only a little overlap—or maybe there’s a lot. I’ll let you decide as I share what I’ve learned from karate that can be applied to quilting workshops and beyond.
Lessons for Working with Others
One thing that stands out about my son’s Shehan is his approach to working with both students and their families. He doesn’t just throw students into karate moves without explanation; instead, he takes the time to fill them in on the context and science behind each activity. He explains why they’re doing certain exercises and how it benefits them, which boosts student engagement and understanding.
How This Applies to Your Workshops:
In a quilting or crafting workshop, you might find it helpful to explain the “why” behind each technique or activity. Take a moment to break down why students are learning a particular method or skill, and how it will serve them in their future projects. By sharing the context and science behind quilting techniques, you can enhance your students’ learning experience and make your workshops more engaging.
Defining Roles: The Student and the Parent
Another unique aspect of my son’s karate class is that every student has a partner—their parent. The Shehan clearly defines the role of both the student and the parent. This creates a team dynamic that helps build a supportive relationship between them. Both the student and the parent understand their responsibilities, making it easier to stay committed and come back to class three times a week.
How This Applies to Your Workshops:
Consider how you can bring a similar sense of teamwork into your workshops. Who are the “partners” that can help your students grow? Perhaps it’s an accountability buddy, or maybe you encourage students to pair up and work together during class. Defining the roles of both the teacher and the student can create a collaborative environment that keeps people engaged and coming back for more. You could even suggest that students share their progress with someone at home, encouraging them to continue learning outside of class.
Business Lessons: Keep Trying New Things
One of the biggest business lessons I’ve learned from my son’s Shehan is the importance of continuously trying new things. Whether it’s introducing new techniques, offering different classes, or creating fresh content for his students, he’s always innovating. This willingness to experiment has been a key factor in his business growth.
How This Applies to Your Workshops:
As a quilt or craft teacher, you can apply this same principle to your workshops and offerings. Don’t be afraid to mix things up! Try new class formats, introduce a new technique, or experiment with different teaching methods. This not only keeps things fresh for your students but also helps you stay energized and inspired as a teacher. Plus, it shows your students that learning and growing are lifelong processes, no matter the subject.
Bringing It All Together
So, what does karate have to do with quilting? Maybe more than you think! The lessons I’ve learned from my son’s Shehan—whether it’s filling people in on the "why," creating partnerships, or constantly trying new things—can be directly applied to teaching quilting workshops and running a craft business. By adopting some of these strategies, you can build stronger relationships with your students, create a more dynamic learning environment, and keep your business thriving.
Let me know your thoughts—is there a lesson from an unexpected place that has shaped your teaching or business?
Need help with your classes, workshops, or courses?
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Publication date: September 28, 2024
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