AKS Quarterly Newsletter

The DoJo

Dave Thomas
8th Dan AKS

First Impressions, Lasting Benefits

Dave Thomas

As an instructor, when a new student walks on the floor, I envision them as a future Black Belt. Teaching them basics, learning forms and graduating to fluid and efficient self-defense. So many opportunities, so much to learn and making the martial arts experience enjoyable and productive during the process. Many times we have seen students on their journey grow and mature; gaining confidence and strength.

The reality is, most new students drop-out after a few months. They stop coming to class for a litany of reasons. Sometimes they are disappointed that they will not be getting a Black Belt in the very near future. Sometimes they under estimate the hard work and sacrifice required to continue to move up in rank. There can also be reasons beyond their control, relocation, school demands or new and very different opportunities.

So, as instructors, do we minimize our efforts and energies toward them and work harder with the more proven and dedicated student? Do we save our best training until we consider them worthy of our instruction?

Patently no. Every student deserves our best efforts every time they step on the floor.

Karate has so much more to offer beyond kicking and punching. Through training, students learn about themselves. They learn that they can exceed their expectations and grow in self confidence. The intangibles we offer are not spelled out in the American Karate System handbook; things like self-discipline, self-esteem, controlling fear and a new level of growth. But these benefits are there between the pages.

I have never started a class with, "Tonight we are going to practice respecting ourselves and valuing our worth as a person." I've never had to say it, I can see it as the student learns a new form or executes a flawless technique. There are smiles and excitement at the end of class, the joy of accomplishment.

Whether they are in class a month or a decade, we teach our students that they are important and they are valued. We teach them how not to be a victim, how to deal with a bully both verbally and if necessary, physically. These are the lessons that last a lifetime.

Over the years, I have had a number of former students contact me; to let me know how much they learned in karate and what a positive influence it was on their life. They said that being in karate, however brief, made a difference in their life.

Most instructors will never know the positive influence they have made on their students, but the benefit is real and long term.