From a pupil’s perspective.

In the past, I’ve come across blogs or had conversations with people about their experiences in various dojos. It still amazes me to this day that people are willing to continue to be passive on some key characteristics that EVERY instructor should present to my fellow pupils. I’ve put together a top five list of what to look for in an instructor. This should assist those who might be looking for a new instructor due to lack of satisfaction of the current, or those searching for a first time Sensei.

Note that based on your ultimate goal, whether it be to go to the UFC or for a extra curricular activity, remember that this is not a decision to be taken lightly. This is a potentially long-term investment you will be making so take the time to do some research. As a student, I put in A LOT of time AND money into martial arts training so I want to make sure where I go is worth the resources I’m dedicating.

1) Technical teaching - Presents the techniques in a detailed, organized manner. This would mean that moves are presented thoroughly in a way that you understand. For example, in BJJ, little movement in your hips can be extremely crucial. This could mean that I land a submission like the armbar or completely lose it to a scramble because my form was not tight enough to my opponent’s body due to lack of hip movement.

To test this, I could try the technique on a higher belt and request that they inform me what I’m doing incorrectly. If a student points out a key move within the technique that the instructor did not (and on a consistent basis), consider this. If I happen to know someone who has already been doing the art for some time, then I can ask them as well. I will basically be testing the instructors communication skills. This is crucial in any teacher/student relationship.

2) Respectable - How do you find this in an instructor? If the person teaching has been able to reach black belt status, that should be the first line of respect. However, ask where they got it from and look up who their mentor is. I guarantee this bit will be worth the effort. If the instructor received their black belt form someone you cannot easily trace, I might be a little concerned. Bottom line here, if your instructor does not have leadership qualities, check out the next dojo. A great leader is always respectable. Can they direct the students? Can they control the entire class? How does the rest of the staff at the dojo treat that instructor?

3) Outside the dojo - Ask yourself this, does the coach uphold a respectable persona even when he/she is outside the school? Does the instructor even spend time with the students outside the dojo? If that answer is no, then you may want to consider another place to train. Previously training under Sensei Camarillo and currently under Sensei Tamayo, I can attest that spending time outside of the dojo with your instructor can make a huge difference (as both do). This is mainly an emotional affect but if they are respectable outside the dojo, I will definitely have respect in the dojo. Ultimately, this has a chain affect as I’ve found it to make me pay closer attention to their techniques, make me feel comfortable asking questions and a great way to gain insight on the instructor’s personal life. Honestly, I don’t care what my sensei wore to the club on Saturday but it gives me piece of mind to know that they’re not out committing crimes and giving back to the communities that got them where they are today.

4) Philosophy of the art - in the world of the UFC and IFL and MMA gyms where glory may take precedence over the journey, it may be apparent that your instructor is focused solely on competition. This can be a red flag for many folks as traditions and philosophies are important educational aspects a student seeks. Ancient scripts of “the way of the warrior” should not be forgotten. As a student of martial arts, I actually find this to be very important. For example, traditional Judo has strikes and weaponry but if you watch any current match, this is illegal. Do you have any idea where your art originated? If not, ask and ask to be better educated. Likely, the instructor will be more than happy to share that kind of info but may not be aware the students care.

5) Passion - I’ll make this one short. Its hard to hide when a person is passionate about any particular subject. There is some kind of ora that is projected from them. Take a few minutes, observe how the person speaks about techniques, how detailed it is and how they might speak about the art itself. This is usually the easiest trait to find in an instructor. If the class is boring, move on as they’ve lost the “fire.”

I hope my experiences will help you in your journey in finding the right instructor. Keep in mind too that the perfect instructor might be multiple instructors. The days of dedicating yourself to one Sensei is losing traction.

“When you know what exists, you know what does not exist” - Miyamoto Musashi Book of Five Rings

==========Update==========

5/23

I was reading the blog on Synergy MartialArts and read the post on “How to Choose a Martial Arts Instructor.” The only point that stood out was the following:

Does the instructor still place him or herself in the role of student? Some times, when instructors get the black belt or instructor certificate they become lazy and decide to stop learning. They have climbed to what they believe to be the summit. Now, why climb higher; everything has been accomplished, right? This mentality leads to stagnant teaching methods and breeds laziness in students, to boot.

I believe this is an easy one to spot. Just ask the instructor whether they still train in addition to teaching. Then ask, “do you feel you’ve reached the point where you can no longer excel?” If that answer is even a slight yes, then you should look elsewhere. Simple as that. Another option is to ask what other artforms do they study? I HAVE NOT met an instructor that has only trained in one style so if they are really going to put themselves in the students shoes, they will likely still be a student as well.

What are your top expectations of an instructor? I’m interested to know, leave a post…