Martial Arts Instructors: The Difference Between Praise and Encouragement
For over two decades, I’ve been warning about the "Perils of Praise." In the early years, my warnings were met with enthusiastic support.
However, in recent times, more instructors seem to defend their excessive praise, a sign they may have grown up in the “participation trophy” generation, where praise is all they know.
The problem in martial arts is that there’s no standardized education on effective teaching and motivation.
This lack of training can lead instructors to adopt all kinds of gimmicks. Take, for instance, the “praise, correct, praise” method, which can often devolve into celebrating mediocrity.
While I am anti-regulation, I am strongly pro-education, which is why I created the ACMA and now the MATA Instructor Certification Program.
Our profession needs a shared language and understanding to teach effectively, rather than relying on outdated or misguided methods.
We recently upgraded our MATA program to include critical lessons like the five elements of legal self-defense.
This month, we’re focusing on a key distinction every instructor needs to understand: the difference between praise and encouragement.
The Distinction Between Praise and Encouragement
Simply put, praise is for what has already been accomplished, while encouragement is the fuel that pushes students toward achievement.
Let me share an example. I once attended a belt exam where a child brown belt failed to break two boards with a skip sidekick.
After five unsuccessful attempts, the instructor gave the child a high five and said, “Good job,” sending her back to the group. That’s empty praise. It does nothing to help the child learn or grow.
A more effective approach would have been encouragement: “Allison, did you give it your best? What part of your foot does a sidekick strike with?
Go practice hitting with your heel instead of the ball of your foot, and come back and break these boards. I know you can do this because you’re not a quitter.”
This type of encouragement not only addresses the technical aspects of the kick but also provides a mental boost. The instructor believes in the student’s ability and reinforces that they are capable of overcoming challenges.
This kind of message stays with students for life, far more than an empty “good job” for failing to meet a goal.
Why Encouragement Matters
When a child fails to break the boards, what’s going through their mind? Likely, they feel embarrassed or discouraged, maybe even considering quitting.
At that critical moment, the instructor’s response is what matters most. That’s where encouragement can transform the student’s experience.
Empty praise leaves students with a sense of unearned accomplishment. Encouragement, however, builds resilience and helps them get back up after failure.
Encouragement teaches students how to regroup and persevere, qualities that extend far beyond martial arts training.
Instructors who take this approach show they’re not hobbyists but professionals who are deeply invested in their students’ long-term growth.