Dave Kovar's Lesson in Comprehension

When I met with Kyoshi Dave Kovar to do his instructor training workshop, one of the first things he said was, "I Have Great Comprehension!"


Kyoshi Dave Kovar



"I have great comprehension. When I finish reading a book, I understand it extremely well…probably better than most people. Do you know how I know that? That’s easy…Mrs. Austin, my sixth grade teacher told me I did. After giving an oral report to the class on an assigned book, she pulled me aside and said “That was a really good report. You have great comprehension. Don’t ever forget that”.

Well I haven’t…and to this day, if I read a book, I’m confident that I will understand it really well. Now the honest truth is that my comprehension is probably just average at best, but I still hear the message Mrs. Austin instilled in me 40+ years ago. Her message helped to shape me. We should never underestimate the power our words can have with the people we share our life with, especially those who look up to us."

As an educator, I am constantly aware of how my words help shape the people in my life. Whether I am at home, at work or teaching martial arts, I am always looking for opportunities to encourage, motivate and inspire.

As a master instructor at Mount Laurel's Dinoto Karate center, one of our my main objective's is to seek out and train future teachers and instructors.

Here is a short list of what I look for in a potential teacher/instructor:

1. The Gift of Gab. Love to talk and share their knowledge.
2. The Gift of Words. Love the power of words to encourage, motivate and inspire others.
   and...
3. They must LOVE People. A teacher must love to work with people, especially children if they are going to WORK with children!

How are you and your words helping shape the people in your life?

Our Dream 100. resource site is designed not only for our black belts and advanced students, but for our future instructors as well.

Visit the Dream 100. and explore it.

This blog is part of Peter Liciaga's effort to promote the Ultimate Black Belt Test Program ( http://www.ultimateblackbelttest.com ), which is an undertaking of The 100. (http://www.the100.us/ ), and a part of Peter Liciaga's Dream 100 Project.