First day back in class.

  I always wonder what it takes to build confidence in someone. In some students it is board breaking. You see it in their eyes when that first board breaks. Some students it is the first time they compete. They get out on the mat and give everything they have in front of a crowd and after that there is no stopping them.  The same goes for working through the first belt test. Sometimes it is sparring and maybe getting that first head kick. Then there are those students who can't exactly make the connection. Some have immense amounts of talent but just don't see it in themselves. I try very hard to use positive reinforcement over and over with those students who struggle.
  I especially get hung up on people who claim they can't spar or can't spar well. Like anything it is something that takes practice. Perhaps going to an extra sparring class and always listening to your instructor or coach. They can see the big picture as you progress from match to match. For some reason probably because of fear of contact, sparring can take the longest time to build confidence.
  I understand every personality is different and some people just don't like to spar. I just wish I had the magic trick to bring students around quickly and full of confidence. I guess this is why it is called learning and if it was easy everyone would do it.