In this episode, I answer a commonly asked question, sharing my opinions on what a student should seriously consider when choosing a martial arts teacher and the types of teachers they should avoid. Also, addressing the responsibility for a student to exhibit good behavior and the importance of a trustworthy teacher-student relationship in the traditional arts.
To summarize, here are some of the key points every student should ask themselves when searching for a martial art teacher:
- Which teacher possesses the skills I want to learn?
- Is the teacher capable of passing on their skills?
- Is the teacher willing to accept me?
What are the characteristics you look for in a potential instructor?
Responses
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Excellent video!
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your insight with the rest of us.
Thank you for listening.
Thanks Kieren for sharing your personal experiences and insights! I appreciate a lot seeing your videos.
The story of the student that is still bouncing from master to master made me think, especially regarding the decision of the master not to pass all knowledge to this student.
On the one hand I can understand his motives, as it is not the best feeling if a student lacks dedication. On the other hand, holding back knowledge may be the reason that prevents the student from “deciding” that he has found the right master.
Me myself I prefer to give some sort of “spiritual credit”, what would mean starting with sharing all I can give – maybe until it turns out after a couple of months that the student is still undecided. But in general I don’t mind a lot if my students attend training sessions with other teachers, because sometimes they bring valuable input to my class.
Maybe all of this is easy said because I do not possess really secret knowledge of the style I am teaching, as far as I assess this.
But my notion is also fed by the idea in general: What would our world look like if we always wait for others to go first? Being friendly only if others are, being respectful only if others are, being open / caring… You can extend the list at will. In the end everybody would be waiting 🙂
I think sharing “the good stuff” (whatever it is one has to give) will come back to you – if not from the person you adressed originally, then from others.
Thank you for the comment and input Frank. Yes, there are many “maybes,” and we can only speculate the reasons. However, I suspect that the point you made regarding the lack of “dedication” is the most probable reason for the teacher to “hold back.”
I’m very impressed by what I just heard – it tells me that you are truly on the right path, Kieren!… IMHO, “Martial Arts” practice is simply an efficient “vehicle” which can help school us in “the art of life”, not a means by which to become the “baddest dude on the planet”… (“What benefit to a man to gain the world and lose his soul?”). Anyhow, I consider the highest compliment that I could ever give someone is not that “their martial arts skill is above all others I’ve seen”, but that “I would be honored to have them as a friend”. From the open-minded and humble attitude that you always seem to display when dealing with others, Kieren, I would venture to say that I would be honored to know you as a friend.
Buddy, I’m deeply humbled by your comments and kind words. I also like the analogy you used to describe martial arts as a “vehicle”; That really resonated with me. Thank you.
very well said, thanks for sharing your insight.
You’re welcome.
Thanks for sharing!
It’s my pleasure.
pure gold. transmitting the essence and nuances of an art takes a lot of time, energy, love and devotion from both teacher and student in order for a student to become a master. It’s a deep relationship and authentic teachers know the gravity of taking on a disciple. not something to lightly hand out to someone who doesn’t want the teachings or isn’t going to put in the necessary effort! likewise a good teacher is also hard to find, someone who has real skills AND can teach those skills AND are willing to teach! I know several martial friends who are very skilled and can teach but choose not to teach anyone.
also, there is a huge difference between a public commercial dojo and closed door discipleship. here in the US, people think they are hot stuff for getting a Dan rank from a commercial dojo. but the simple fact is that authentic teachers simply cannot give a full transmission in a commercial dojo setting. This is due to legal restrictions (can’t teach dim mak to the public!), ethical reasons and simple logistics of too many people so no one can get enough personalized time with the teacher. so as a student it is important to understand the limit of what you are going to get from the venue that you train at. For beginners a public dojo is fine, but the full transmission is only really available as a closed-door inner disciple relationship with an authentic master of an authentic art. once you get that, its just a matter of time and effort! key word here is authentic. Excellent video Kieren!
Thank you Nathan! 🙏