Our dojo opened in 1995. The building was a bar/restaurant which we converted into a house/dojo . The very first class had two students. Through the years, class sizes have varied from 1 person to 20+. When class size reached space capacity, we split up the kyu ranks and added more classes. If class size was too small, we consolidated the classes. The student population has varied over the last 16 years due to economics, trends, fads and interest.
There are advantages and disadvantages to a large class and a small class.
Large Class - Advantages
1. A lot of energy.
2. Good for certain training drills.
3. Variety of training partners available.
Large Class - Disadvantages
1. Reduced space on training floor.
2. May limit teaching opportunities. For examples, it is difficult to teach long range weapons due to space constraints.
3. Limited individual instruction.
Small Class - Advantages
1. Opportunity to work on material specific to each student.
2. One-on-one instruction.
Small Class - Disadvantages
1. Limited partner work.
2. Some students prefer a larger class setting.
As a class instructor/student, do you prefer big classes or small classes? What do you see as the advantages/disadvantages?
There are advantages and disadvantages to a large class and a small class.
Large Class - Advantages
1. A lot of energy.
2. Good for certain training drills.
3. Variety of training partners available.
Large Class - Disadvantages
1. Reduced space on training floor.
2. May limit teaching opportunities. For examples, it is difficult to teach long range weapons due to space constraints.
3. Limited individual instruction.
Small Class - Advantages
1. Opportunity to work on material specific to each student.
2. One-on-one instruction.
Small Class - Disadvantages
1. Limited partner work.
2. Some students prefer a larger class setting.
As a class instructor/student, do you prefer big classes or small classes? What do you see as the advantages/disadvantages?