As a martial arts instructor, we may become the most influential person in the life of a child, right behind parents. Sunday School teachers only see a child once a week, if the child attends Sunday School. School teachers only have influence over a child for one year, then the child moves on to the next grade, never to return. A martial arts instructor, on the other hand, may see a child two or three times a week, almost every week, for his or her entire martial arts career. Even if the child only stays until he or she becomes a Black Belt, that is still several years of influence.

A martial arts instructor will become a positive role model for students and will help parents by becoming a primary influence in their child's life. When parents and martial art instructors team up and work together it creates a powerful combination. We will all work towards the desired outcome that is being sought out. This is the true benefit of our program. Students will learn much more from the instructors than just the kicks and punches they teach. They will learn a way of thinking. They will learn a way of looking at life, at people and at the world around them.

In the course of one class an instructor must wear many hats. They must be a teacher, instructing students on proper technique. They must be a drill instructor, able to motivate students to push themselves to new levels. He or she must be a mentor, providing guidance, feedback, and a listening ear for students and parents. The instructor is a success coach, teaching students life skills needed to be a successful person in life. Finally, an instructor must be an entertainer, able to hold the students' attention from beginning to end.

An excellent instructor makes the student want to learn. He or she draws out the best by using positive reinforcement. The instructor praises the students whenever possible - anytime they do something right. A good instructor is always patient when correcting an error. A great instructor never forces their views; they just show the way. Through smiles, eye contact and simple gestures of touch, they make the students feel good about themselves and that makes them want to learn and continue to be part of our Academy - our family!

Instructors teach by using the Socratic method of teaching. Teaching by asking questions and making students think through the answer, as opposed to just telling them- is a powerful teaching/discussion method for driving points home since it makes students give the instructors the answer. Answers they give will have more impact on them than the answers the instructor could provide.

Martial arts is merely the tool or vehicle that we use to teach our students to "be all they can be" in every area of their life.