As an instructor in martial arts life, I have learned that we are always students regardless of our rank or titles. This blog is going to discuss a student's path.
In the beginning, we all started with the idea of learning something new. For some, we work toward gathering more information on the subject we are learning. We get to a point where we have learned some things and can answer questions when someone asks. The development of learning continues as long as you do not let your ego stand in your way.
When you move into the rank of teacher, your learning does not stop. A teacher should always explore new concepts, ideas, and knowledge. Teachers, Sensei’s, are a pathway for other students to learn. A teacher should keep updated with changes in technology, material, and methodologies in their subject matter.
Most advanced certifications have continuing education requirements mandating that teachers continue to learn, whether, it is answering 10 -questions a month from an article to a six-month test to show continued knowledge, or seeking out your classes to bring in as continuing education.
History has shown if you do not continue to evolve in training, knowledge, and skills diminish. Failure to evolve led to the loss of several karate styles over time. One of the biggest things society went through was how to train and teach when there was a pandemic. Total 360 was pushing the boundaries of this methodology before this happened, and when it happened, Total 360 was one of the few businesses that opened. The modernization of training through videos, live meets, and other methods showed a continued evolution of the business.
Long gone are the days of why I do it this way, and the response was because this is how it is. A student should be allowed to ask why and get an explanation for it. Not only does being able to answer questions make a teacher better, it deepens the knowledge base for the student. Look at the last 20 years in exercise and see how the exercises have evolved to allow more protection of students and reduce injuries. What happens when you get a question you do not know how to answer? Letting a student know you will get back to them and find the answer is another sign of dedication to learning.
We all walk on the path of karate, it is up to us to decide the paths to take. How we present ourselves and teach our students. Tomorrow's vision and progression of martial arts depend on what we do today. Continue to learn and present yourself as a knowledge seeker.
Michael Rodgers
Sensei Total 360