3 Types of Learning

Introduction: Teaching to Every Student in the Room

Every student steps onto the mat with a different way of learning—and as instructors, it’s our job to meet them where they are. Some need to see it. Others need to hear it. And some won’t get it until they’ve felt it in motion.

Understanding your students' learning styles isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. It’s the key to unlocking their potential, keeping them engaged, and helping them progress faster and more confidently.

In this guide, we’ll break down the three main learning styles—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic—and show you how each one shows up in the dojo. You’ll get practical teaching tips, real-world dojo insights, and simple strategies to make sure no student gets left behind.

Let’s dive in—and learn how to teach so every student gets it.

Visual Learners

“Talk is cheap—we need to see it to believe it.”

These students learn best when they can see what’s going on. Facial expressions, body language, and clear demonstrations help them fully grasp the lesson. They often like sitting up front so nothing blocks their view—and many of them think in pictures. Diagrams, illustrations, and seeing the full movement in action really make a difference.

In the Session:

Visual learners thrive on clear demonstrations. Long verbal instructions? Not their thing. They want to see the move, then do it.

Tips for Teaching Visual Learners:

• Make sure your technique demos are easy to see—no blocked views.
• Show the technique from multiple angles (front, side, etc.).
• Vary your speed—slow for detail, fast for real-time impact.
• Show the technique done well and done poorly so they can compare.
• Demonstrate the full movement first, then let them try it.
• Use phrases like, “Do you see how that makes it stronger?” or “Notice how a weak stance changes the outcome?”
• Use mirrors so they can watch themselves as they move.

Auditory Learners

“We need to hear it—and say it—before it clicks.”

These learners take in the world through sound. They connect best through talking, listening, and discussing. Tone, pace, and rhythm help them make sense of instructions. Sometimes, they need to hear something before written words make sense. They might also like repeating things out loud or recording themselves.

In the Session:

They may look distracted while you’re talking—looking around or at their feet—but that’s often how they listen best. They’ll want to talk through things and might ask a lot of questions, which can sometimes come off as stalling—but it’s part of how they process.

Tips for Teaching Auditory Learners:

• Be verbal and descriptive. Say, “Place your right hand on the inside of their left forearm” rather than just pointing.
• Speak clearly and with energy.
• Talk through common mistakes and why they happen.
• Explain the why behind each move—it helps them connect the dots.
• Give corrections verbally and explain what’s being fixed.
• Emphasize rhythm, timing, and count—things they can hear and feel.

Tacti​le/Kinesthetic Learners

“Enough talk—let’s get moving!”

These learners need action. They learn by doing, not by sitting and watching. They can get restless during long explanations or demos because they’re ready to move. They need to feel things out—literally. Repetition is key for them, and they often internalize movements by focusing on how each one feels.

In the Session:

These students may look down during kata—not because they’re unsure, but because they’re concentrating on the feel of each motion. They learn best when they can jump in and start practicing.

Tips for Teaching Kinesthetic Learners:

• Keep explanations short and let them try the move quickly.
• Use lots of physical repetition to lock in the muscle memory.
• Gently correct their posture by adjusting arms or legs so they can feel the difference.
• Describe the feeling of a technique—sharp, powerful, balanced, etc.
• Let them explore the move physically rather than just watching it.

Wrapping It Up: Everyone Learns Differently

Most students use a mix of learning styles, but usually one is more dominant. As instructors, it’s our job to recognize that and adapt. In every class, you’re likely teaching all three types at once—so the best approach is to blend your methods.

When introducing a new technique:

1. Show it clearly for visual learners.
2. Talk through it step-by-step for auditory learners.
3. Let them try it right away for kinesthetic learners.

Encourage them to notice what it looks like, understand why it works, and feel the movement. That’s how real learning happens—mind and body, working together.