(Approx 2 minute 40 second read)

There comes a point in time, after many years of hard work, teaching, and dedicated training, when instructors begin to entertain the idea of going it alone. It’s a natural progression in any art or profession. After decades of practice and immersion, the question arises: What’s next?
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What other profession or pursuit – where you’ve been consistently engaged for 50 years or more – would deny you the opportunity to step out on your own? Yet in the martial arts, especially traditional systems, this step can feel like a monumental shift, and often, it’s met with resistance, both internally and externally.
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However, to go it alone doesn’t just require proficiency of your curriculum. Knowing your kata, drills, and techniques inside and out is essential, but that’s just the beginning. The real challenge lies in understanding the principles behind the techniques – the why, not just the how. It’s this deeper knowledge that allows you to adapt and innovate, staying true to the essence of your art while making it your own.
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Equally important is teaching experience. This isn’t something you can learn simply through imitation. Teaching is an art in itself. It requires the ability to communicate complex concepts in a way that resonates with students of all levels, while also inspiring and challenging them to grow.
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One of the biggest misconceptions about going independent is the belief that your development is complete. Nothing could be further from the truth. If anything, stepping out on your own demands an even greater commitment to your growth. Without the structure of a larger association or a direct connection to a senior teacher, the responsibility for your progress falls entirely on your shoulders.
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Continuing your education – whether through seminars, collaborations with peers, or maintaining a mentor relationship – is really important. Independence should never mean stagnation. In fact, the best leaders are perpetual students, always seeking to refine their craft and expand their understanding.
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For some, the decision to go it alone often comes from financial or logistical concerns. Membership fees, affiliation costs, and the expectations tied to being part of a large association can weigh heavily, especially when you begin to question whether those resources could be better used to support your own vision.
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Others find themselves at odds with the direction of their association or chief instructor. Loyalty to lineage and tradition is commendable and deeply ingrained in martial arts culture. But there comes a time when loyalty must also extend to your own growth. Remaining tied to a system that no longer aligns with your values or goals can stifle your progress and the development of your students.
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The Japanese concept of Shu-Ha-Ri provides a roadmap for this journey. In the Shu phase, we follow the teachings of our style and teacher without deviation. In Ha, we begin to explore, break away, and experiment within the framework of our art. Finally, in Ri, we transcend traditional boundaries to create something uniquely our own.
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If done for the right reasons, going it alone isn’t a sign of arrogance or rebellion; it’s the culmination of decades of dedication and understanding.
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It isn’t for everyone of course. It requires confidence, humility, and an unrelenting drive to improve – not just for your sake but for your students and the art you represent. It’s not a rejection of your past but a continuation of it, a way to honor your lineage while contributing something new to its legacy.
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The decision to step away from the shadow of a teacher or association is deeply personal. For some, it may never feel like the right time, and that’s perfectly fine. But for others, there will come a moment when the pull of independence becomes too strong to ignore. When that moment arrives, remember: It’s not about leaving behind what you’ve learned but carrying it forward in a way that’s uniquely yours.
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Written by Adam Carter – Shuri Dojo