“My old ways of Karate was not readily accepted by everyone. They thought it was too outdated and too crude – I think it was just too hard or maybe my training methods were too severe. Whatever it was, it was the way I learned and the way I taught. It was only later, when the Americans came to learn, that I changed my ways.” – Hohan Soken (1889-1982) founder of Matsumura Seito Shorin-ryu Karate
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What makes a great martial arts teacher?
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Teaching the martial arts can be one of the most difficult enterprises today. It demands a broad knowledge of subject matter, curriculum, and standards; enthusiasm, discipline, a caring attitude, a love of learning…. and even school or dojo management techniques; but most of all….. a desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
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With all these qualities required, it’s no wonder that it’s hard to find great teachers.
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There is a huge difference between becoming a teacher, and becoming a good teacher. And being under the consistent care and tutelage of good martial arts teacher(s), can be life-changing.
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Great teachers are masters of their subject matter. They exhibit expertise in the subjects they are teaching and spend time continuing to gain new knowledge in their field. They present material in an enthusiastic manner and instill a hunger in their students to learn more on their own.
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The right mentors know where to focus your attention and challenge you. Their knowledge and experience become yours. They provide immediate and realistic feedback on your work, so you can improve more rapidly.
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Effective teachers ask “why” questions, to look at all sides, and encourage students to predict what may happen next….. Because every self-defense scenario will be different.
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The Internet is full of amazing resources – but it’s also full of garbage, and the task of sifting through it all to find the gems can be overwhelming….. YouTube is NOT your sensei.
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Generations have looked up to genuine experts, who had spent years or decades perfecting their art. Now, anyone can bypass this process and set themselves up as a martial arts “expert” – without ever having the deeper understanding that comes from spending time with a knowledgeable, challenging and competent teacher.
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A great teacher should have a drive for self-improvement, be able to look at themselves objectively and see where they can improve. That can be in teaching methods, subject matter, or people-skills. When teachers can review themselves and know where to focus their attention, they can become even better…… and be willing to engage in lifelong learning. 
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