A 21st Century Instructor
The world since the pandemic has changed. The very nature of martial arts instruction has changed in many aspects. When confronted with Covid-19 martial arts instructors all over the world were subjected to the ultimate test. Partner work was gone, in-person instruction was gone and that social dynamic (which makes the dojo a special place) was gone. So, we had to become creative in the way we presented the material to our students. We all must become a 21st century instructor.
It was not an easy feat to accomplish and there are schools still throughout the world fighting this fight, so the question is… How do you teach Martial Arts when you cannot teach combat skills? We often use the line that Martial Arts is more than physical, it is mental and emotional as well. So, when teaching the martial arts, if you cannot use one of the avenues of training, how can you define success? Let’s explore that as we begin to rebuild and thrive throughout these challenging times.
How do you define success?
When Covid was on the horizon and looming over us the first objective we had at our dojo was to re-define what self-defense meant and re-define the role of a Martial Arts School. The dojo needed to be more than a place where people are learning Kata and Ukemi. We needed to expand the scope of training to include a stronger sense of community and make sure that the dojo could still be a place where students found strength, comfort, and support. While doing our zoom lessons sometimes students wouldn’t throw a single punch or kick, there would be no bow either.
We simply talked, students of all ages were allowed to express their thoughts and feelings at unprecedented times. We had lunch together on zooms, sang happy birthday, and checked in frequently. Being their Martial Arts instructor meant to be a firm, guiding, and comforting figure in their life when things were hard. We made sure that parents knew students were struggling, or the adult students could support one another. In my definition of the dojo, we elevated the level of training even higher throughout the pandemic. If you haven’t, I encourage you to make sure that you are a support system in their life, you aren’t a replacement for a doctor or any other professional they may need, but you can be a source of strength for them in their time of need.
Look to the horizon
We are at a point now where the world is beginning to move around again, and things are changing. These are still uncertain times, but you can look towards the future with hope. We are moving into a new era of Martial Arts instruction. One where we are more than the stripes on our belts or the medals around our necks. We can see the world in a different way. We work through physical techniques, talk about fighting and combat not because we are violent but because we are using that conflict to grow stronger. If martial arts is taught with compassion at the forefront we will all create a bigger impact. If we share information and knowledge together as instructors so we can better ourselves and help provide that opportunity for others.
I encourage you to be the change you wish to see in the world, but also in the martial arts. The best days of Martial Arts training lie ahead of us. We are facing different challenges now than the challenges that faced the instructors from 20-30+ years ago. We must continue to impress upon each other the importance of growth. I am a better teacher now than I was 15 years ago. Not because I’m any more passionate but because I’ve applied information and skills that I’ve learned. It’s time for us to continue to grow so we can help the martial arts flourish and we can leave the world better than where we found it.
The title of this article is “A 21st Century Instructor”. That is for you to define and become because you need to believe in your skills and methods. If you don’t or you feel that you are stuck in a previous century, then reach out and learn more. Learning new training and teaching methods is not a bad thing, it is what makes us better. Our future is bright, and our best days lie ahead of us. I firmly believe that.
Along with training in Kenpo, he also trains in Yoshitsune Combat Ju-Jitsu from 2008-2014 then picking it up again in 2020. Currently, he is working on progressing his knowledge in the martial arts through Kenpo Karate, Lysak's Sento Method, Kung Fu and Kali.
He began assisting with classes in 2005 at the age of 14. Since then he has risen to the level of Managing Director managing the day-to-day operations of the dojo. Along with overseeing the training of all the students at KI Craig also works with dojos around the country to help them build programs to teach students how to become teachers. He believes that it's important to constantly continue to develop leaders to help empower students through Martial Arts.
Now along with running a school he also expanding into consulting with school owners and instructors for staff development and creating a positive culture in their schools as well.
- A 21st Century Instructor - August 31, 2021
- The Dojo, where everyone knows your name - April 7, 2021
- Black Belt Student, White Belt Teacher - March 18, 2021
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