As a teacher, one has the opportunity to develop many skills in the management of people and projects. Multitasking and the accompaniment of different projects simultaneously are the daily life of a teacher in this field... image and creativity. Managing deadlines, organizing content and programming objectives are qualities that one has to develop deeply. Conflict management between kids is often needed at mandatory school. This is a learning rich in demanding challenges, for those awaken.
Teatching at the Fine Arts College of Lisbon's University was an honor. Having the opportunity to shapenewborn artists is something quite thrilling. Some times easier than others, but nevertheless it allowed me to leave a subtle footprint for the future to come.
On the other hand, teaching kids at middle/high schools was also exceptional, specially with those with special needs. Building up a class with lots of different and demanding kids is an experience only teachers know. Driving them to a safe learning through the year is quite a journey.
Invited Lecturer at the Fines Art College at Lisbon University, assigned to the Drawing group:
2012/2013
2011/2012
Public School teacher:
2010/2011
2004/2005
I've been praticing Kung Fu for over 20 years and though I have no actual coaching certification, I've already taught Kung Fu before. It started when Master Guilher Luz seldom asked me to run the warming up section of the class, then, he asked me to manage earlier graders and then it grew to teach whole classes during his absences. Before I knew, I had a class of myself, back in 2005/6 (no need for credentials at that time) and again in 2009/2010.
I am a creative person, and as tradition in martial arts (kung fu mostly), I taught my synthesis of Kung Fu, my version of what I learned from Master Guilherme, not the actual style I've learned. I respect a lot the Kung Fu style I learned from (Kung Fu TO'A, in a portuguese variant), as well as all other styles, but they are not my style. I'm not trying to say this or that is better than whatever, only that if I am about to share knowledge, it will be my way, because... well it will be my share.
At the moment I'm teaching a pretty small and relaxed class of Kung Fu Medium Sized Staff. It is a "contemporary" approach, a fusion of movements with origin in other traditional weapons, like the Nunchako, the Catana or the Long Staff and Spear. This medium sized staff expression is unique in ways that it uses unexpected play from the other weapons to create new solutions for the same old problem of self defence.
... and in a world of guns, how can Kung Fu or a medium sized staff improve one's self defense and awareness?
Well, it lets us learn how to move / dance (with objects) in a martial way (martial focus). Reflexes, strenght, flexibility, body workout and meditation is all part of the class / learning process. It won't defend against a bullet, but can help avoid one (if you're thinking dodge, you're seeing too much movies!...) or dangerous situations...
Througout the years I've been randomly giving lessons on drawing and Descriptive Geometry to whomever needs or asks. My knowledge in the field allows me to understand the student's needs and dificulties, so I then try to circle around the subject in order to find a way to get the contents understood. I feel I can teach anyone to draw (giving one's willinness), which also means how to really see the world.
I've taught students ranging from 12/13 to 85 years old (sometimes in mixed classes), all with nice results in the end. Knowing how to draw is primarly a matter of perception, then of understanding and in the end of decision and compromise. For each of these parts there are infinite (well... almost) levels for mastering, either in themes or techniques. This only means that one has to understand his/her unique expression and that its path is also a path to one's ultimate thruth.
Drawing is unforgiving, one can't fake it. It shows the authors mind set and therefore is a deep learning in self awareness. Drawing can be similar to meditation, it can shrink or extend time and space, it is a manifestation of profound inteligence (emotional, rational, etc...) and as so, it is the primordial doing for anything great.
... or so it seams to me...
Descriptive Geometry, on the other hand, is the drawn language of space and, therefore, time, for one cannot exist without the other. Through Descriptive Geometry one can draw the universe and all in betweenhere and there. There are no industrial objects without Descriptive Geometry. It is everywhere one looks at, at the chair, the bus, the sign on the streed, the lamp in the living room or the Datashow in the class, the teacher's pen or the students handbag, the parent's car and house and motorcicle and airport... Its history runs way back in time to all those big man made construction. Without the Descritive Geometry though concept, those wouldn't have been built. Descriptive Geometry is, therefore, an atitude and mindset, more than a rigid drawing code. Without the first, the second means nothing.
I mainly teach Descriptive Geometry to high schoolers in need, but have also taught peers in a corporation environment or architecture studens. I can say I master most techniques and concepts within this knowledge field, but there is much to learn yet.