In the world of martial arts, finding your unique teaching voice is as transformative as any technique you'll learn.

Just as a 15-year-old boy might ask for advice on improving his prospects with girls and receive the wisdom to focus on becoming the best version of himself, martial arts instructors must also look inward to define and refine their authentic teaching style.

The Journey of Self-Definition in Martial Arts

Martial arts offers more than just physical training; it's a path to personal reinvention. From the 98-pound weakling to a respected master, the transformation through martial arts is profound.

My own journey began on February 12, 1974, when proximity led me to my first karate class with Walt Bone and Hank Farrah. This experience didn't just shape my physical abilities—it defined my life's trajectory, merging my aspirations of teaching and athleticism into a fulfilling career.

Influences and Evolutions

Initially, we might mimic our mentors' styles, their methods, and their philosophies. I once taught through negative reinforcement, a method passed down from my instructor, focusing solely on what students were doing wrong. This approach, while effective in some aspects, was a reflection of someone else’s voice, not mine.

It wasn't until a moment of clarity while watching a karate class that I questioned these long-held beliefs.

Observing the instructor explain the square block—a technique I had taught and believed in for nearly two decades—I realized the absurdity of it. 

This moment was pivotal in realizing that I needed to align my teaching with my true beliefs and values, rather than blindly adhering to tradition.

Breaking the Cycle

Finding your own voice as a martial arts instructor means critically evaluating every aspect of your teaching and the curriculum you use. It’s about ensuring that your methods authentically reflect your principles and contribute positively to your students' lives.

This process can be likened to breaking a cycle of outdated practices and myths that have been handed down through generations.

Authenticity Over Imitation

The goal is not to become a carbon copy of your instructors or the masters before them. Instead, strive to use martial arts as a medium for personal expression. Challenge the status quo if it doesn’t serve your students or align with contemporary values. True authenticity in teaching comes from adapting and evolving your style to meet the needs of today, not clinging to the past.

Cultivating a Unique Teaching Persona

As you develop your unique voice, remember that your role is to serve your students and enhance their journey, not just impose old methodologies.

This doesn't mean discarding all that you have learned; instead, it involves sifting through those teachings to find what is genuinely beneficial and relevant. It’s about being more than just an instructor—it’s about being a guide who empowers students to find their own strength and path.

Conclusion

Finding your unique voice as a martial arts instructor is crucial for delivering impactful and meaningful lessons that resonate with modern students. It involves introspection, questioning, and sometimes, unlearning.

By doing so, you not only enhance your own teaching experience but also elevate the entire martial arts experience for your students, leaving the art better than you found it. This commitment to authenticity not only shapes better martial artists but also cultivates a more profound and reflective practice for all involved.