Karate instructor?

Question

hiya im a martial arts student (13years)(oh and a girl!) when im a bit older i would like too run my own martial arts academy and be a instructor in it. like the one i go too now but i dont know how or what you need or anything too do it and i dont want too ask my sensei because of many reasons like i havent even been doing it for so long n he wont take me seriously, i dont wanna seem like m setting up competion for his skool, and i never reallii get chnce too talk 2 him n more so please dont suggest that. any thoughts or ideas? and YES im sure i want too do this. is it actually possible for me too do this or is it only like a dream kinda thing? thank you in advance for answering! x

Answer 1

first and foremost...to be a good teacher, you first have to be a good student. no skipping lessons...no cheating on exercises. complete commitment..otherwise youll never get there. pay attention to details...such as spelling really 'realliiii" ...you need to be perceived as a professional.  small things like this can make big impressions on people. you are only 13...you have plenty of time. get serious, and be patient. ask lots of questions. and make it a point to talk to your teacher...chance has nothing to do with it.

you have to be a black belt in most systems in order to teach. some require a 2nd or 3rd dan. and alot of good schools also require you to teach at their school for 1 to 2 years or so before opening your own dojo.

this is because teaching is a completely different thing than learning. you must be able to make many different kinds of people learn. what makes sense to you might be german to me...so you have to figure out how to explain things and demonstrate them in ways the student will understand. you must understand the art inside and out to a certain level.

also it's a good idea to have some money, schools cost money to run, and even initial startup can cost alot. you need alot of equipment...sparring gear, punching bags, weapons.. mats (mats are very expensive) ...so when you're old enough to work, save as much as you can.

when you go to college...take some business courses...you will be glad you did.

your sensei won't take you seriously because you don't seem very serious to me. show him you are serious. everything in martial arts...and in life ...is a test. nothing is spoon fed to you, you earn it.  infact it almost sounds like you dont even go to class anymore. you need to go back if this is the case. you want to be legit, and you want to be professional.

the mere fact that you said "dont suggest that" (talking to your sensei) means you already know you need to. and...itll be much better than doing it behind his back.

can you do it....yes of course you can! every great martial artist in history....every single one of them...started out as just what you are now....a student. infact...the journey never ends...even 10th degree black belts are still students, and always learning. thats the beauty of martial arts.

Answer 2

you can be anything you want at 13. I admire your committment and sensitivity to your sensei. I see no problems opening a dojo in the future. my daughter wants  to teach other teens in karate and self defense. she will one day open her own teaching. go for it, try to talk to your sensei later on. they will see that you are dedicated and may even suggest ways for you to get what you want!!!

Answer 3

First let me say as an instructor I would take any of my students with a desire to become an instructor seriously. So please talk to your Sensei about it. You may find him delighted and motivated by your interest.

Second as a personal coach  I implore you your dreams are what motivate you to do the hard work necessary to be a success, so never be embarrassed by your dreams.

Third train hard and become the best you can be. If your school has a junior instructors program get involved. Study hard at school because  to run your own school it will require business skills.

If you need encouragement or have any other questions fell free to e-mail through Answers only.

Working as an instructor at a school part time when you become a certified instructor can give you the experience to help you get started.

Your Sensei will not feel betrayed as long as you don't open your school in the same neighbor hood. Always be respectful of your roots.

Answer 4

Hi,

All three answers were very good. I wanted to add a few more things for you to think about...

1. A teacher should know about health, fitness and nutrition.

2. A teacher should know some things about education and teaching.

3. A teacher should know about exercises, the body, and injuries.

4. A teacher may want to know about history, culture and language related to their art.

This is just the tip of the iceberg.. ha ha. Basically, you will want to excel at school as well as at the dojo/dojang.

You will need to be familiar with other arts - no not good at them, just be able to recognize and discuss those arts at a minimal level. What is JKD? TKD? Where do Aikido, Escrima, etc come from?

And while it is not needed to be said I will stress it again, you must be good at your art.

Good luck in your dream!