IF YOU WANT TO TEACH

 by Phillip Starr

So, you want to teach your particular martial art? If you do and you want to be a good teacher, there's a few things that you must do; obligations of a teacher...

• First, you must know your art very thoroughly; and not just the HOW. You must also know the WHY. The well-worn excuse of, “That's just the way we do it”, doesn't cut it. WHY do you do it that way? If you don't know, you need to find out.

  

• You must be able to transmit your art effectively. That means learning how to communicate with different people in different ways; never “talking up” to them, or “talking down.” Use words and phrases that they can easily understand. Corrections should be made in a way that is not offensive.

• You must always ARRIVE EARLY for class. Showing up late indicates a lack of interest in teaching and makes you appear to be uncaring about the students. Get in early and warm up!

  

• Your uniform should be clean and should NEVER look like you've slept in it for a week! Show that you have respect for both yourself and your students.

• The training hall (or whatever area you use) should be very tidy and clean. Many instructors teach in places that are shared with other groups, so the area may be a bit less than well-maintained when they arrive EARLY for class. If it's needed, it's their responsibility to clean the area before class. Students can clean the area afterwards.

  

• You absolutely MUST train regularly outside of class...NEVER use class time as your own training time! Not ever! You must continue to strive to polish your own skills. If you don't do it, how can you expect your students to do it? I'm a firm believer in “leading from the front.” Don't ask your students to do anything that you won't (or don't) do.

• You should study things like human learning, effective communication, and so on. And never forget how confused and uncoordinated you were when you started. Extend courtesy, understanding, and kindness.

  

• Remain humble rather than haughty...and be willing to learn from your students. They can be your best teachers. A teacher who cannot or will not learn from his/her students is in the wrong business.

• Remember – teaching, being a sifu/sensei is a PRIVILEGE.

  

And above all, you must truly CARE about your students. A little compassion goes a long way.