Welcome Professional Instructors

Being an Instructor...

Is more than teaching someone to fight. The skills are important, but the responsibility and the obligation that you assume go much deeper than that. Every time you teach, you share a piece of yourself.

In my experience, the greatest instructors have:

Understanding
Traditionally the Sensei Rank comes at 4th degree. And it's not because you can break a brick or throw someone across the mat. It's because you're usually at the age where you've gone through enough trials and tribulations that you understand how life works. This understanding transcends technique and strategy.

When I first began training, all I wanted was a Black Belt. I trained and trained and trained, until I finally earned my first rank. But I really didn't start to understand what being an instructor meant until much later. That was over 16 years ago. To this day I am still learning, still growing and still developing a deeper understanding about not only technique, but life itself.

Give Unconditionally
Life is Training. Training brings out the good, the bad and the ugly. Your refusal to quit, demanding more of yourself and holding yourself to a higher standard will be reflected in your students. If you teach with intent, compassion and an unconditional love for what you do you will become wealthier than any person on the planet (and it has nothing to do with money).

Go Above and Beyond
Your students expect you to teach them. They don't expect you to call them if they are injured or to bring them an article about something they're interested in. So do it. Don't just teach, listen. Teaching is never a one way experience. It goes both ways. Treat everyone as if they were a family member and go from there.

Be Supportive
Most people go through the day and don't get even one compliment or one bit of positive reinforcement. If you can provide a positive, supportive environment, that will mean more to them than any technique. Don't patronize, just guide. In Japanese, the term Sensei literally means "born before". It doesn't mean feudal lord, master or grand poo-baa. It's just someone who has been doing something a little longer than you.

Be Honest
As an instructor it's your responsibility to be honest and forthright with yourself and the people you teach and help. If you're true to your intent and true to the material you'll never fail. Be straight in your dealings with your students, with your family and your business partners and coworkers. Never lose sight of your obligation to not only the truth about self defense; but also to the truth and what's right, period. Look at every situation and see how it will impact you and others not only now, but weeks, months and years from now.

Set the Example
Hold yourself to the highest standard possible. Everyday you have the opportunity to live above your own expectations. Always be early, always follow through and always keep your word. That doesn't mean you have to promise the world everything, just choose your promises carefully with the intent of following through.

What legacy will you leave?
Will the world be a better place for knowing you or will the world be glad to get rid of you? The choice is yours. Everyday gives you a new chance to answer this question. Because when it's all said and done, it's what you know in your heart that matters.

Train Honestly and Teach Honestly,

Damian Ross
Instructor