(2 minute and 16 second read)

Things have changed over the years. When I began training in traditional karate, some of the instructors were downright mean. They went out of their way to inflict pain on you, and they made it clear that they were superior to you in every way.
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Back then, in the 1970’s, it didn’t matter if students left the dojo, there were plenty more waiting to join. All the martial arts were thriving and enjoying unprecedented popularity.
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There were times where I was ‘corrected’ on occasion by an instructor wielding a “shinai” (竹刀 – bamboo training sword). I was never struck hard enough to cause any real damage, but boy did you ever pay attention any time thereafter when you saw him walking around with it.
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I thought this was normal. But it isn’t, it’s unacceptable.
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It is totally irresponsible to hit a student with malice. Physical punishment as discipline is plainly WRONG, and counterproductive, in ANY circumstance. It is tantamount to bullying.
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Many people join a martial arts school or dojo seeking strength after facing bullying, but unfortunately some encounter similar negativity within the dojo itself, this is totally unacceptable.
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It’s important for students to learn to distinguish the demanding but respectful training environment from a harmful one.
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You have to seek out an instructor who treats everyone equally, avoiding those who prioritize personal preferences, inflict unnecessary pain, or display arrogance.
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Unfortunately this can be really difficult as a new student when you have no idea what to expect, and it may take sometime before you realize what’s going on.
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To help students along the way – be aware that progressing in the martial arts demands dedication, rigorous training, and an environment that will challenge you, but not ridicule you.
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A good instructor should always display courtesy, offer precise and polite feedback, and provide ample encouragement in the initial stages of learning.
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Ultimately, the goal for a student is to transition from being motivated by your instructor, to creating your own self-motivation.
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But if you do encounter bullying, leave. It will not change I assure you. Find a dojo that prioritizes respect and empowers you, your martial arts journey should be transformative and positive, not intimidating.
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True motivation comes from within, not fear; – encouragement based on progress, not manipulation. Effective instructors use pressure responsibly to challenge you, not belittle you.
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The duty of an instructor, a teacher, is to help a student learn, in such a way that the student can understand at their level of capability.
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The martial arts should be an art of self-control, and as an authority figure, an instructor has no right to physically punish or bully a student in any way.
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If as an instructor, you use any form of punishment or bullying to correct teaching and learning, then in my opinion, you are a FAILURE as a teacher. In the 21st century, this kind of discipline is NOT acceptable (if it ever was).
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Physical training is a critical part of every practitioners routine. Hard practice, and tough training, is not the same as physical or psychological abuse.
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Discipline should not come from physical punishment, bullying, or intimidation of any kind.
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Bullying others in order to prove your strength is your greatest weakness.
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