I have seen foam mallets used that only leave mental injuries. There is also the loud angry instruction technique used by some male teachers and senior students. I have read enough child and abnormal psychology to know there are better ways to get things done. I know I may take a lot of flak for saying this, but I think women often make better martial arts instructors. So I chose to have a woman as my Senior Student.
Women are the more sensitive side of our society.
However, they are no less fierce in spirit or motivation or intelligence. Everybody knows not to mess with an angry mother defending her child. Women are as capable in teaching or giving commands as men. They seem to be more patient and understanding than many male instructors I have met. I have seen too many instructors push a child too fast or hard because they didn't want to look bad in front of other instructors.