Perhaps one of the most important aspects of your martial arts journey is your instructor. A great instructor can inspire you to make your martial arts journey a lifelong one; it becomes a lifetime pursuit of excellence and continuous self-improvement.
Curious to know what makes a good instructor? Evolve Daily gives you 9 Signs You Have A Great Instructor:
1) He loves what he does
WBA Boxing World Champion Yodsanan Sityodtong enjoying a focus mitt session with one of his students.
There’s a big difference when someone is passionate about what they do as opposed to someone who just does their job to get by. If your instructor is passionate about his job, he will do it because he truly wants to help his students become the best martial artists they can be.
2) He has in-depth knowledge of martial arts
BJJ Champion and 3rd Degree BJJ Black Belt Eduardo Novaes teaching alongside BJJ World Champion and 4th Degree BJJ Black Belt Teco Shinzato at a seminar.
To become a Muay Thai World Champion or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt takes years of dedication. Through these years of training and competing, there is no doubt that they have inherited wisdom beyond the flawless techniques they exhibit in class. In turn, they share this with their students to inspire them to work harder.
3) He knows how to motivate his students
Multiple-time Lumpinee Muay Thai World Champion and Legend Orono Wor Petchpun egging his students on during a Muay Thai class.
Whether it’s through words of praise or a simple pat on the back, nothing feels better than receiving acknowledgement for all your hard work. A great instructor knows just the right formula to motivate his students with encouragement, sufficient challenges and guidance.
4) He helps his students set goals
BJJ Champion, Black Belt, and ONE Championship Superstar Marcos “Ratinho” Santana with one of his youngest pupils.
Every martial artist understands the importance of setting goals. A good instructor helps his student reach his goals whether they’re long-term or short-term. He also helps them define these goals and motivates them to push through, no matter what (see #3).
5) He shows respect
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Multiple-time Lumpinee Muay Thai World Champion and legend Nonthachai Sit O greeting a student before class.
6) He knows how to have fun
Honor and respect are tenets of martial arts that evoke a certain aura of seriousness – but a good instructor knows that simply being disciplined and straightforward won’t hold a student’s attention forever. A great instructor is always energetic and tireless and knows when to laugh or tell a joke.
7) He is a great example to his students
Current ONE Championship Strawweight World Champion and multiple-time Lumpinee Muay Thai World Champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke guiding a student through a drill during class.
Apart from teaching great classes, an instructor becomes respected and admired for his integrity and indomitable spirit that he has acquired through years of training and teaching. Not everybody possesses these qualities!
8) He gives his students creative solutions
ONE Championship Lightweight World Champion and revered submission artist Shinya Aoki sharing some grappling tips with his teammates from the Evolve Fight Team.
There are many techniques that are still being developed and revamped, constantly evolving throughout the years. A great instructor recognizes this and isn’t afraid to break tradition every once in awhile. He also knows how to adapt a technique for people with different learning abilities and is patient enough to do so.
9) He is selfless
Kru Yod is a legendary Trainer of World Champions and is widely regarded as one of the top striking coaches in Asia.
When a martial artist decides to become an instructor, his focus changes. Training is no longer for his own personal gain; it is also for his students. He becomes more involved in developing his students’ skills above everything else.
If your instructor has some of these qualities, you know you’re in great hands! Should you choose to become an instructor yourself, remember these values and apply them in each training session!
