To ask how you'd deal with this karate teacher's behaviour

[buckeejit]

Dc karate class (all 3 yr olds so not exactly serious more socialising, balance & exercise), the teacher is very nice, however, a few times when a child has been acting up or not listening, he lifts a jokey fist clench to the child like he's ready to punch them!

I've not said anything although I know it's a joke to him but obviously don't think it's appropriate. The children seem to think it's funny, doubt if any of them have been victims of violence at home. All other parents (4-8 children in class) are watching on the sidelines.

So, wise MNers, how would you approach this should it happen again? He's a nice guy and been teaching for 18 years, maybe used to teaching older kids if that matters. I'm expecting responses from, 'meh, as long as he doesn't follow through' (more or less what DH said), to 'call the police & get him struck off'.

My 8 year old's Karate instructors did this in the 'begginers' group, they loved it. Wait until your DC move into the black belt training group, any misbehaviour or lack of attention results in 20 push-ups on top of the 60 they already do for warm up. DS loves training especially sword sparring. (Foam swords with full protection kit before anyone clenches)

Agh! Beginners*

Perhaps his thought process is that if they don't pay attention to what he's teaching there is a chance that a punch will get laid on them because they don't know what to do because they've not paid attention and don't know what to do.
Could be a message of "pay attention, it may save you a fist in your face at some point"

Is a big part of any martial arts training not about using the moves only in the appropriate setting? So the kids are being taught never to punch or kick anyone except in class? That's the message your older DS needs reminded of if he were ever to raise a fist to someone aggressively.

Toasty fingers - I had to read your message twice as I thought you said he hit them with a pot noodle!!!!

Out of interest if it wasn't a martial arts class
But it is a martial arts class and therefore the jokey fist clench is entirely in context. If it weren't, then I highly doubt he would be clenching his fist in this way.

Maybe next time I'll jump up & try to deck him
I strongly suggest that unless you are also an experienced black belt, you do not try to do this. I know that my karate teachers (who are anywhere from shodan to 8th dan) would have you on the floor in the blink of an eye. Probably unhurt, as along with their phenomenal speed, they have also got amazing control. But I still wouldn't recommend testing them.

Grey poncho makes a good point, my dc do karate and all this goes on, one of the messages is indeed pay attention to save yourself getting a jab in the face . Sensei is very threatening in a jokey way, he growls sometimes.

When DS did MMA and cage fighting, I used to love watching sensei finishing off with the tinies if we arrived early. They loved him and he had such a lovely way about him, but he too would shake his fist if they didn't listen, or bonk them on the head with a pool noodle (gently). Definitely normal for a physical class - and as others have said, in context.

It sounds like kids love it so I'd leave it. I might try it with my kids actually. If the kids were looking worried that would be different.

Thanks all. Maybe it was just a surprise to see anyone lift a fist to dc that made my natural instinct bristle. I didn't think to expect it, not in this martial arts class as they are only 3 & barely do martial arts. I wasn't actually worried that he'd hit them, certainly nor did I intend to deck him in return!

I'm often surprised at some MN responses to things that I'd find normal, e.g. Appropriateness of saying pardon or what, so I was curious to gauge responses.

I think it will take a bit of getting used to but am sure I'll find it normal eventually. Really hoping the dc get the message of doing what they're told there & I get some of the benefit of that at home!

If the kids love it they clearly know he's joking so I don't see the problem to be honest.