David Tester began his training in the Martial Arts in 1978. To better understand Dave's history of training in the martial arts, it is important to have an understanding of how schools and instructors vary immensely in the arts. There are few instructors that believe in cross training into other martial art systems. Why would an instructor not want to cross train? There are a few reasons they don't. One would be that most instructors in the early 1980's, and still to this day, are very closed- minded. These particular instructors feel very strongly in their art or system of martial arts. This belief comes down from the master instructor to instructor to student influencing their beliefs. They believe their system of martial arts is the best possible self-defense program available, and that no other system can offer anything better for an individual. Some instructors have too much fear, pride or ego to start over in another system. Other instructors are part of large governing organizations or associations that have rules set up pertaining to protecting their style. You can believe that there are politics and money involved in this! The instructors and associations that operate this way are hurting martial artists by not training their students in other aspects in the world of self-defense. It is true that every system of martial arts has strong points, but it is also true that every system has weak points. As Dave began to understand that every system has its advantages, he wanted to broaden his studies of the martial arts.
In 1982 Dave joined an Academy and began his training in the Korean form of martial arts - Tae Kwon Do. In 1983 Dave found an instructor that had a different view on martial arts and self-defense compared to his Tae Kwon Do instructor. Dave trained in a Japanese form of jitsu. This martial arts system focused more on striking with the hands and joint locks. Dave took lessons while he still was training in the art of Tae Kwon Do.
In 1984 while still training in Tae Kwon Do and Jiu-Jitsu, Dave met another martial artist that had something that interested him. This man was Johnny Warren. Mr. Warren was born in Vietnam. Mr. Warren's family developed a fighting system that Mr. Warren later called Ki Do Kwan. Ki Do Kwan had many different influences; Kempo Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and Kung Fu. The main focus of Mr. Warren's program was Full Contact Kick Boxing. Johnny Warren was a professional Kickboxer and a BantamWeight Champion. That is what Dave was interested in, the experience of full contact fighting. Dave also continued to train in Tae Kwon Do and Jujitsu.
In 1985 Dave received his first Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do at the age of 25. In 1987 Dave earned his 2nd Degree Black Belt in the art of Ki Do Kwan.
In March of 1988 Dave accepted a new job and had to move to Cincinnati, away from his family, friends, and his instructors.
For the next two years Dave trained on his own, striving to perfect his technique. In 1990 Dave met Master Rick Clark. Dave started to train with Master Rick Clark in the art of RyuKyu Kempo Karate and Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do. In 1992 Dave tested for his 4th Degree Black Belt in Kempo Karate and Tae Kwan Do under Master Clark.
In 1994 Dave focused more of his training in the art of Shin Gi Tai Jujitsu under his old friend John Saylor. In 1996 at 36, Dave tested for his 4th Degree Black Belt in Jujitsu and in the same year he tested for his 5th Degree Belt in Kempo Karate and Tae Kwon Do under Master Rick Clark earning him the title of Master Dave Tester!
On March 1st. 2003 Dave Tester was awarded his 6th. Degree Black Belt in the arts of Kempo Karate, Tae Kwon Do and Ad Denkou Kai Jitsu.
In 2009 Dave received his brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Charles Allen (Gracie Barra Black Belt).
When Dave started training in the martial arts it was for self defense and a hobby. The more that Dave learned the more he learned how much he didn't know. He has always pursued the best methods of training and has always tried to work on his weak areas. He did not start training to run a successful martial arts program or to have hundreds of students. We are very fortunate that through his trials and tribulations he founded the US Martial Arts Academy. Thanks to Dave's hard work, dedication to perfection, and passion for knowledge in the arts, we now have a place to learn multiple systems under one roof.
From all the students and families that you have touched by your guidance, leadership, friendship, and kindness and from all the students and families to come in the future
-- Thank You!
Role of the Instructor
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.
Instructor's Creed
I will teach this class as if it is the most important class I will ever teach.
I am patient and enthusiastic.
I lead by example.
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
