July 15th, 2009 | 
Author: One of the questions that I am often asked by a prospective client is “why do you teach?” It certaintly isn’t about the money, because quite truthfully, there are a lot better ways to become wealthy. The simple answer is that I teach because I love it! I think that is very important, because if the teacher, in this case the sensei, doesn’t have a passion for what he is teaching then he won’t be a very good teacher; but there is so much more to it than that.
It is about the student who isn’t the best in sports and often feels clumsy. Watching that student win their first point-sparring match and seeing how proud they are, is my reward. It is about the shy introverted student gaining confidence in himself because he got his first belt promotion. It’s about the chubby little kid who, because of hard work, was able to shed some weight and now isn’t being teased about it any more. It is about the young lady who can handle herself in difficult situations, because she knows good self-defense techniques and knows what to do. It is about the older student who is stiff and rigid, becoming more flexible, or the student with balance issues overcoming them. It is about the pride that is shown in the parent’s eyes as their child wraps the black belt around their waists for the first time. That is why I teach!
Posted in Thoughts on Martial Arts
I was just thinking of you and the dojo, so I decided to check the site and found your blog! Not sure if you still update or check it, but…
FMA helped me to become confident, to be fit, and more importantly taught me responsibility. Whether or not I pick up martial arts again anytime soon I am uncertain. I am very, very busy figuring out my career and education; they require my full attention. I do, however, hope that I can pick up a consistent practicing schedule at one point. I literally grew up in that dojo, from around 6 or 7 years old until I left. I can happily say that FMA has left an astounding impression on myself and my future.
So I guess what I’m saying is thank you for choosing to teach! Because anytime someone asks me about my martial arts experience, I tell them of that old sensei that was an astoundingly consistent role model throughout my childhood.
Thanks for the kind remarks! I always hate it when I lose a student, even if it means they have to move all the way cross country, but I hate it even more when it is one of my first students. You are greatly missed!
I love to hear how the martial arts have benefitted an individual, and the how lessons they have learned apply to everyday life!
I do hope you will some day find the time to resume your studies in the martial arts, as I know how much I have benefitted from them. Thanks to facebook we can still stay in touch.