The aim of this article is to explore error based correction training in Karate, or simply Correction based training.   The article explores how errors made by students are the driving force in teaching Karate.  Therefore,  correction based training requires that the instructor identifies an error, this opens the door to make a correction.  To further explore this we need to understand what distinguishes error from a mistakes and what other approaches may have a more meaningful result bot in the sohrt and  long term.  Learning does begin with errors, and without the errors learning would be difficult.

Failing forward is a motto that we use a lot in our teaching. We recognize the need for our students to make errors and to learn from them. It isn’t necessary for us to point out the error every time. It’s better in most cases to explain the rule, concept or idea and to show it as the instructor wants them to do it. We find many times than not either the student doesn’t know the rule, or understands how to apply the rule.

Students learn from positive reinforcement, not negative reinforcement, as is very common in the martial arts world. This is because negative reinforcement requires little thought by the instructor, it’s simply pointing out the mistake that was made. This style of teaching is draining and not very productive.

We have a general rule that we apply to all teaching: “we are going to teach you things then tell you to stop doing those things”

When kata are first learned, there are specific rules that govern the learning of the kata, such as hand placement, precise stances, foot placement, etc. Continuing with this focus is Karate-do, seeking to perfect the Kata and onces self. It is a philosophical journey manifested in and through Kata. Karate-Jutsu Kata follows concepts, not strict rules, and is not a journey of self-enlightenment, but self-protection and nurturing one’s inner monster.

Most karate schools, who follow a strict traditional training program, will focus Correction Based Teaching. This requires the continued enforcement of the rules that are used in teaching the foundational or core kata. It leaves no room for the students’ individual essence and understanding to manifest, nor does it allow the student to make the kata(s) their own. In order for the students to own the kata, by adding their essence, they have to question and seek answers for themselves, and this leads to “mistakes” from the perspective of the Correction Based Instructor.

Understanding Correction Based Training in Karate.

Learners don’t recognize errors, while mistakes are like slips of the tongue.
Learners can correct the mistake because they know the rule.
The same learner can’t correct an error because they don’t know the rule.
 [1967 Corder “The Significance of Learners’ Errors”]

In order for an instructor to make a correction, the student has to make either a Mistake or Error. This gives the instructor cause to “fix” something. But, is the instructor fixing a mistake or an error? The assumption would be he is fixing a mistake because the instructor assumes they know and understand the rule that governs the particular movement that is being corrected. If the student made and error, it is the fault of the instructor for not insuring that the rule is known and understood, additionally the student has to buy into the rule.

Students who do not buy-in to the rule are said to have “idiosyncrasies”, or blunders, that the instructor can’t correct, which is an error on the side of the instructor for not understanding how the students think and learn, ie their rules. Many years ago I was told by a high ranking Kyoshi that before he corrected a student’s movements in a kata, he asked what was their thought behind the move. If the thought and the move made sense, he left it alone and provided positive feedback, but if the thought and the movement didn’t work, he would provide guidance.

It’s important that Karate instructors allow students to make mistakes, its even more important for instructors to figure out if the deviation is the result of a rule not being understood, accepted or even known. Mistakes are crucial for learning and growth.

Instead of solely pointing out mistakes, focus on explaining rules, concepts, and ideas to guide students in the right direction. Positive reinforcement plays a vital role in our teaching approach, as we believe it fosters a more productive and engaging learning experience. By allowing students to question, seek answers, and add their essence to the learning process, they can truly make the knowledge their own. Our goal is to empower students to understand and apply the rules while nurturing their individuality and promoting self-expression.

Sean Schroeder, Director
Cova Karate

This article will be expanded upon