"Training in martial arts is more than techniques. It's a lifestyle," says
Lawrence Fowler.
"When one's life becomes meshed with the philosophy of martial arts and
the daily training and pursuit of becoming better in one's understanding,
it then becomes budo or 'way of the warrior.'
"Rank isn't important. Understanding and knowing are paramount."
There are differences between the various types of martial arts. "The similarity
between all martial arts is their combative nature, in the sense that there
is the potential for an opponent to overcome you in some way," says Fowler.
"Judo teaches throws and choke-outs. Jiu-jitsu teaches joint locks and
breaks. Karate teaches punches and kicks.
"As one becomes proficient in the various techniques, one can test for
higher ranking. But the training must also have a philosophical component,"
he adds.
"To become proficient in techniques without a philosophical foundation
runs the risk of the student turning to thuggery. There's more to training
than defending oneself."
What makes a good martial arts instructor? "Skills and achievements aren't
as important as being able to effectively communicate one's knowledge to someone
else," he says.
"We all see things differently and we all understand things differently.
So a good instructor must be able to see what the students see and then help
them along."
People take up martial training for a number of reasons, says Gary Eikenberry.
"Chief among them are a desire to learn some self-defense skills, physical
fitness, stress reduction, sport, developing their concentration and self-control,
and last, but not least, for the friendships and personal development.
"People should choose a martial art based on how well its emphasis matches
what they're looking for. No one martial art will prepare anyone for all self-defense
situations," he adds.
"In reality, very few martial art students will use what they learn to
defend themselves in real-life confrontations. But most will learn things
about themselves, about overcoming challenges and obstacles, and about tapping
personal sources of discipline and power.
"And then there are the students -- the ones who start out shy and unsure
of themselves and slowly blossom into strong, confident, self-motivated, well-rounded
leaders and achievers."
Stan Lee is the national director for the U.S. Martial Arts Association
school management program. "I always intended to teach, but I didn't believe
you could make a good living as a full-time martial arts instructor," he says.
"I pursued a business degree and worked as a stockbroker for two years
after graduating college. I worked 12-hour days, leaving me no time for my
martial arts training.
"When I left the business, I began training again with my instructor. He
asked me to apply some of my business knowledge to helping him run his school.
When I found out that I could make a good living doing what I loved to do,
it was an easy choice," Lee says.
Many martial arts instructors choose to open their own schools. "I'd recommend
gaining several years of experience before opening your own school. As a school
owner, your knowledge needs to be more well rounded. You need business expertise.
You need to understand marketing, accounting and finance."
Lee has some advice for would-be instructors. "Volunteer to help teach
classes. Remember: it's not your technical skills that are important. Communication
skills are most important. I'd also recommend working out an apprenticeship
program with your instructor."