Calculus is a powerful form of mathematical thinking that helps us better understand the world around us. Everyone could benefit from such an understanding.
But….
If a calculus professor came up with the idea to teach kids such powerful lessons, would they start with derivatives? Probably not. They’d start with something like counting, maybe even basic single digit addition.
Nope, that’s not calculus at all, but the professor understands that a solid foundation in the most basic of fundamentals is not only important, but likely all that child would understand.
So….
She works with the child on basic arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and maybe, over a decade and a half later, the basics of calculus are covered.
Because of the strong skills built up over years, the child, now a senior in high school, easily picks up the advanced lessons being taught.
And even then, both teacher and student know that this is only the beginning of what is possible in the wonderful world of mathematical science.
As a reader, you can easily see that this is true, and how it is actually done in practice.
So then why do we as martial artists think that when we teach martial arts to young children, think it is so ultimately important to teach them “Our Style”…. styles of martial arts that were created for adults to go to war?
Start with the most fundamental of skills and stop being in such a hurry to thrust them into things which they can likely mimic to make you happy, but for which they are most likely not prepared to understand.
Start by teaching them what numbers are and how to count, not how to understand changes between values that are related by a function.
Teach them how the lessons affect their lives, teach them to love learning, give them the tools to succeed, and some day, they will be the strongest of proponents of your school, and the highest of examples of what your “style” can do.