Finding the Perfect Instructor
Finding the perfect instructor when starting your martial journey. Will become one of the important decisions you might make in your life. Let’s say you have research and found the perfect martial art or self defence classes in your immediate area. But how do you know if their school will be the right one for you. It’s true that some dojos are better than others due to various reasons like the quality of the techniques taught, teaches sparring or competency of the instructor.
FINDING THE PERFECT INSTRUCTOR
If you’ve never trained in martial arts before. It can be very hard to evaluate the competency of a martial arts instructor. Choosing the right instructor is just as important as the martial arts or self defence. Everybody starts training for different reasons such as self defence, wanting to compete, fitness or just wanting to achieve a blackbelt. When choosing a dojo you need to think carefully about what you want to achieve. But also why you began this journey in the first place.
I would recommend to do an introductory class before you make your final decision. Because in order to achieve the best results. You need a dojo and instructor to make you feel comfortable and supported. This article will go over all the important things you should pay attention to. When you are trying to figure out how or if an instructor is right for you.
Ready to find out what separates good martial arts instructors from bad ones? Let’s jump right into defining qualities of finding the perfect instructor.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL STRENGTH
While having a martial art instructor who is physically fit is essential. It also important to taught the essence and mindset of self defence which is what it’s all about. As I have said in previous posts your body and your mind need to work in harmony to reach your full potential.
Good instructor will not just get their blackbelt and stop training. They should be constantly looking for ways to improve their techniques and learning new skills. While passing on their knowledge to others. These are qualities in finding the perfect instructor
BUILDS YOU UP AND NEVER PUTS YOU DOWN
When you walk into a martial arts for the first time it should come across as having positive vibe. Training in a dojo with this type of energy is where most people learn the best. A good sensei has a lot of power when it comes to setting the tone for the class. And should make you feel welcomed and supported. Good martial arts instructors are natural leaders who can lead by example. They should have a decent sense of humor and should be willing to laugh at themselves when they make mistakes. The attitude of the instructor is one of the main factors that determine how much fun you get to have during class.
Avoid instructors with negative attitudes or those who try to put you down. A good martial arts instructor can offer positive constructive criticism and should never tear you down by humiliating you in class.
PASSIONATE ABOUT THEIR ART
One of things I would look at is avoid a instructor who is all about the belts system or appears have a massive ego complex. No one wants to train with someone who constantly brags about how many fights they has been in. I have had to deal with this myself and it becomes very hard to take them seriously as an instructor. Yes martial arts is about the physical application of self defence but is also about de-escalate, pre attack signals and a survival mindset.
Avoid instructors who act like training you is a chore they’re being forced to do. These are the types that typically only view being an instructor as a way to earn an income, not improve people’s lives. A good instructor will get to know and understanding with each students strengths and weaknesses and help each of them to become the best version of themselves.
ONLY IN IT FOR THE MONEY (Finding the perfect instructor)
Martial arts classes typically aren’t free, so expect to pay weekly, monthly or term if you decide to train. Compare the prices of different martial arts schools around you and learn about their training history. An instructor being cheaper doesn’t necessarily make them better. It is also look at are you training purely for self defence or you want to compete
Avoid dojo’s who regularly harass you for money, have hidden fees or force you to buy all your gear from them. A lot of martial arts schools sell their own gear, but they don’t force their students to make purchases.
NO ETHICAL CODE
One of the defining characteristics that separates good martial arts instructors from bad ones is not having an ethical code. A good martial artist learns about the physical, philosophical, and ethical aspects of martial arts during their training. These things typically carry over to other aspects of their lives.
A good martial arts instructor talks to their students about the ethical and philosophical aspects of martial arts and educates them on how things like honor, respect, humility, positivity, self-discipline, and self-control can positively impact their lives. These are valuable attributes that will make you more successful in your academic and professional lives.
A bad martial arts instructor only focuses on the physical aspects of martial arts. You get watered-down training that makes you a poorly-rounded martial artist. Remember martial arts is more of a mental game than a physical one.
WARRIOR MINDSET FINDING THE PERFECT INSTRUCTOR
Another defining trait of an excellent martial arts instructor is their understanding of the survival or warrior mindset. They know exactly what to say to get their students over humps and understands things like combat visualization, meditation, and getting into the zone.
A great martial arts instructor is an asset you can call on anytime you have a martial arts-related issue. It might be jitters about your upcoming competition or struggles with a specific technique. Even if your instructor is unsure about an answer, they make an effort to go out of their way to find you an answer.
CAN SHOW YOU THEIR SKILLS
Your instructor should be competent martial arts instructors understand that they have to earn their students’ respect with their actions, not just their words.
I think it is important for martial arts instructors to not only give you sparring tips But also like to engage in sparring sessions with their practitioners. They will match your energy and push you. But not overdoing it.
FAVOURITISM
A great martial arts instructor treats all students the same. Everyone gets to follow the same rules and meet the same requirements for belt promotions. Watch out for instructors who have favourites. They pay more attention to them during class regularly or instructors who hand out belts to people who haven’t earned them. I have come across this on my martial arts journey and I found it really off putting in the dojo itself. Because it was unfair to all the other students, are working just as hard.
EXCELS IN COMMUNICATION
Finding the perfect instructor will the ability to communicate with people of all ages and backgrounds. There are rarely ever dull moments in class when dealing with a quality martial arts instructor. They know when to turn on their humorous, technical, or serious side as needed. These types of instructors aren’t happy with you just showing up for classes. They want to get to know you and connect with you on personal level.
NEVER GIVES UP ON THEIR STUDENTS
A good martial arts instructor never gives up on their students regardless of how much they struggle in the dojo. Regardless if it’s kata, sparring, endurance or learning a new technique. A great sensei will understand that everyone’s martial arts journey is different. Some people are naturals, while others struggle with the most basic techniques.
Sometimes it’s the students who struggle in the beginning can end up becoming the best student in class someday. Your instructor should serve as a support system that is there to help you get the past hurdles. That is holding you back.
LEADS BY EXAMPLE
A good martial arts instructor should be a amazing role model to it’s students. Be able to embrace the technical and philosophical aspects of martial arts training. They are honourable, respectful, and disciplined.
They don’t have anything to prove. Good instructors have been martial artists for years. Before they even considered teaching other students. They don’t have any issues bringing more skilled martial artists from the outside. In order to show their students something new techniques or knowledge.
CONDESCENDING
This is one of the signs that let you know you should keep looking for a martial arts instructor. Martial arts are about being respectful and humble. So avoid an instructor who’s arrogant and selfish. As this is the opposite of what martial artists should be.
Such instructors are typically egomaniacs who only focus on the physical aspects of martial arts training. Therefore ignoring the philosophical side.
Also they should never be abusive or condescending to their students. These types of instructors often use excessive force when demonstrating techniques or sparring.
Find somewhere else to train if you run across an instructor who belittles or condescends to their students. When they make a mistake or are slow to pick up techniques. This is an instructor who started training people for the wrong reasons. And has forgotten the reason why they started training in the first place.
So why is choosing a good instructor so super important?
By finding the perfect instructor brings lots of benefits to the table. They have years of training and knowledge and great communicators explaining techniques in detail. Are able to tailor their teaching style to fit your individual needs, which means you’ll get personalised instruction. So regardless of your age or fitness you get the best training available. But the main thing is a great instructor instills important values like respect, humility, and perseverance, which help you grow as a person.
On the other hand, a bad instructor can turn you off in training all together. They will not interested to keep up their own skill levels or continue to educate themselves to improve. When training you need to have someone who will care about your personal growth or character development. Not someone who will stifle you at every turn.
So, it’s really important to find a great instructor who can help you learn effectively and safely, and grow as a person. Don’t settle for anything less!
IMPACTS ON MARTIAL ARTS PRACTITIONERS
A good instructor will help students achieve their full potential and chase their dreams, while a bad instructor can have the detrimental effects on a student’s progress.
Here are some ways that a martial arts instructor can impact a student’s development:
- Technical skill: Finding the perfect instructor can assist students in developing their techniques and mindset. By teaching proper technique and form that is essential for progress and success.
- Confidence: A good martial arts instructor can help students build confidence in their abilities, providing encouragement and support that allows them to push themselves out of their comfort zone.
- Self-discipline: A good martial arts instructor instils discipline in their students, promoting a strong work ethic and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Physical fitness: A good martial arts instructor can help students improve their physical fitness, promoting strength, agility, and endurance that are essential for success in martial arts and other aspects of life.
- Character development: A good martial arts instructor can help students develop positive character traits such as respect, humility, and perseverance, which are essential for success in all aspects of life.
On the other hand, a bad martial arts instructor will hinder progress, cause students to lose confidence, become demotivated, and even develop bad technique that could risk their safety.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I LOOK FOR ?
In order to become the best martial artist you can be you need the right martial arts instructor by looking at the following traits:
- Research and background check: Do your research and background check on the instructor’s qualifications, experience, and reputation in the martial arts community. Look for reviews and testimonials from former students.
- Attend classes and observe the instructor: Attend a few classes and observe the instructor’s teaching style, communication skills, and interaction with students. Look for an instructor who is patient, supportive, and able to adapt their teaching approach to the needs of individual students.
- Ask for recommendations: Ask for recommendations from friends, family members, or other martial arts practitioners. They may be able to recommend an instructor who is well-respected and has a proven track record of effective teaching.
- Trust your instincts: Trust your instincts and choose an instructor who you feel comfortable with and confident in. Martial arts training can be a transformative experience, and it’s important to find an instructor who you trust and respect.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON FINDING THE PERFECT INSTRUCTOR
Choosing a self defence or martial arts program is one of the best decisions you will ever make. But let me tell you finding the right instructor can make all the difference in your martial arts journey. Learn technical knowledge, expertise, strong communication skills, patience, flexibility, adaptability, dedication, and respect.
But will also help you achieve your goals, build confidence, develop self-discipline, improve physical fitness, and cultivate positive character traits by doing your research, attending classes, asking for recommendations, and trusting your instincts.
So, choose your martial arts instructor wisely and enjoy the journey of self discovery of a lifetime. That only martial arts can bring!