The Tradition Trap
Martial arts is about more than forms, traditions, and techniques—it’s about empowering students with real, effective skills and prioritizing their safety.
As an instructor or school owner, you must make a critical decision: Are you focused on perpetuating questionable skills for the sake of tradition, or are you committed to putting the practical skills and safety of your students first, even if it means adjusting or evolving your style?
Some traditional techniques may not hold up in real self-defense scenarios.
While they might look impressive or align with the history of your martial art, you need to ask yourself:
• Are these techniques practical and effective in real-world situations?
• Do they equip students with the skills they need to protect themselves?
When the style becomes more important than the skills, students may leave without learning how to handle real-world threats effectively.
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| Why would an instructor teach: | Rather than: |
| Holding a punch out? | Snapping it back to guard? |
| Square your shoulders and face your opponent? | Turn away to protect your center line targets? |
| Hold your chin up for good form? | Tuck your chin to make it harder to get knocked out. |
| Cross your arms before a block? | React to a strike by blocking it instead crossing your arms. |
| Step forward to block? | Make blocks quick and efficient without footwork? |
| Kiai or Yell during a punch? | Why increase the risk of getting a broken jaw by opening it? |
Why Skills and Safety Should Come First
1. Students Trust You to Prepare Them
Your students enroll in your school to learn skills that will help them feel confident, capable, and safe. If you focus on perpetuating techniques that don’t serve them, you risk betraying their trust.
2. Adaptability Is Key
Martial arts isn’t static—it evolves. Incorporating modern techniques and safety practices into your curriculum doesn’t mean abandoning tradition. Instead, it shows you care about giving your students the best possible training.
3. Safety Builds Confidence
When students know their training is grounded in effective, real-world techniques, they gain confidence. They’re more likely to stay motivated, trust your instruction, and recommend your school to others.
Making the Shift
1. Evaluate Your Curriculum
Take a hard look at your current program and ask:
• Are the techniques I’m teaching effective in real-life scenarios?
• Is safety a priority in every drill, sparring session, and exercise?
2. Refine Where Necessary
Incorporate modern self-defense strategies, scenario-based training, and techniques tested in real-world situations. Focus on techniques that prioritize practicality without compromising safety.
3. Educate Your Students
Explain the "why" behind your training adjustments. Help students understand that martial arts is a living discipline that evolves to meet the needs of its practitioners.
Final Thoughts
As an instructor, you set the tone for your school. Deciding to put skills and safety first doesn’t mean abandoning your style—it means refining it to serve your students better. By prioritizing their development and well-being over tradition, you ensure they leave your dojo empowered, capable, and truly prepared.
Martial arts is about growth. Choose to grow with your students, not at their expense.
