How did you become an Instructor and would you recommend it?

[White Warlock]

I taught out of obviousness. It was obvious i knew the material, and thus other students would request my assist. Also, if someone was doing something wrong, i would correct them, and move on with the practice. Oftentimes an instructor would request i manage a group, or assist a 'difficult' student. This is where teaching in the arts started, and it is the way i continue to teach. Obviously, i have since developed my approach to a system of learning, as opposed to merely a series of 'corrections.' I.e., ways of presenting information so as to ensure the students grasp the principles quickly.

Teaching is partially learned, partially experienced, partially inherent, and partially a want. I bring this up because i don't believe 'anyone' can become a teacher, at least not a good teacher, therefore i don't believe 'all black belts' should undergo a teacher-training course. In the Kodokan, there are two types of black belt ranks, one of which is presented for 'teaching,' while the other is presented for 'implementing.'

[orion82698]

It would be awesome to instruct. MA is about teaching, and giving back!

[White Warlock]

Well, no, actually... ma is about ma.

[KempoTiger]

Well, no, actually... ma is about ma.

[Sensei Rick]

Being a teacher will show you what your DON"T know about what you know. If you don't understand that statement, then your not quite ready. You must understand your own black belt before you can help someone achieve theirs.

Now for the real scoop. I have made more money at every other thing I have done, but i now make a fair living at teaching. I am rewarded in ways that money can never buy. I so truly love teaching. I love that I have turned around, and recieve my new glory thru my student's achievements rather than my own prowess in the ring or school. And I learn more everyday teaching that I ever did as a student.

[White Warlock]

Agreed Rick, unfortunately... i have bills to pay. When the bills become larger than the cost of having a good time teaching, guess what gets kicked to the side?

Right, my students. Woot! lol

[MartialArthur]

You just need to charge your students enough. You probably offer training that is worth more than the price students pay. Like Sensei Rick, I have made more in my previous careers, but I have never been more satisfied.

Understanding the "business" side of instructing is equally important with the "instructing" side. For example, charging "testing fees" is objectionable to some, but if they are a normal part of your program, your students will pay them. Just make sure you provide them with a good value. Like any other profession, you must be paid the services you provide and the work you do. If you don't charge your students enough to keep you in business, you are doing them a dis-service.

[rs_coble]

A friend and me joined a school together. We started teaching when we became purple belts, we are now blue belts, our green belt test is coming up.

We only teach yellow and orange belts and higher rank instructors teach everyone else or our sifu does it. My friend and I were just asked to take over the sparring classes, but we have a problem with a couple of students not respecting us because of our rank, but to me that is more of a lack of respect to our sifu who chose us. I was wondering if any of you have ever had this problem? To answer the question though, I think anyone who is serious about martial arts should try to be an instructer. U learn so much from your students it is kinda of wierd how that works out.

[jaymac]

rs_coble, I have had that happen once or twice in the past, where I had been put in charge of teaching and someone was being disrespectful. It unfortunatley is their personality. Continue showing a good example and behaving as you would have your student behave and you will gain respect. The individual who gave me trouble has since left and I have moved up to Nidan. You will encounter students who like to argue, or give you a tough time, but it will make you a more patient instructor. As everyone has said in this post, you learn by teaching. You even learn from students who aren't as open minded as others.

[greenbelt_girl15]

I've been assisting my instructors whenever they need it realy since I've been at two green stripes.8 months of assistant teaching is required before I can attain my black belt. Every now and then I get to teach class by myself or with another greenbelt, usualy when our instructors are out of town.