Why Do You Teach?

[sensei8]

Why do you teach? Let's list some pro's and con's...

Pro's:

> I love the Martial Arts

> I love my students

> My students love me

> It's fun

> It's rewarding

> It keeps me in shape

> Etc

All of these are admirable, but, what's the real sole basis of why you teach?

First, before we answer this, let's list some con's...

Con's:

> Mundane drills

> Unchallenged classes

> Rank; theirs and/or mine

> Because I have to

> Because it defines me

> For nobility/"Look at me"/the air of "I'm important"/Pomp and circumstances

> For awards/platitudes

> Etc

Yes, I've heard each and everyone of these reasons, both pro's and con's, over the many, many years.

Why do I teach? I teach not for my student(s) next testing cycle, but for when my student(s) discovers their effectiveness through the martial arts and in themselves. I teach my student(s) not for their next testing cycle but for the next attack.

Why do you teach?

[Harlan]

To ensure that what was given to me gets passed along. That is the only reason.

[MasterPain]

To ensure that what was given to me gets passed along. That is the only reason.

That's not my only reason, but it's a big one. Sensei8 covered most of it other than that.

[Zaine]

I personally love it. I haven't taught in awhile, but I love to teach people something that I love. For me it's just a passion to teach someone something I'm so passionate about, even the boring drills (which are so useful and I do them, but they still suck).

[WolverineGuy]

One thing that keeps me coming back to teaching is that it actually strengthens my OWN technique. Teaching fundamentals is a great way to shake off rust.

[Montana]

I taught (past tense) because I felt it was my obligation to pass on knowledge that I've aquired over 30 + years of study and training to others.

I taught because it kept that knowlege fresh in my head, and in my body.

I taught to watch that glimmer of knowlege be lit in others eyes and bodies.

I taught, because I love to teach others!

I taught because I'm a teacher.

[sensei8]

Thanks thus far for some very great and solid posts...THANK YOU!! Please keep them coming.

[WolverineGuy]

I should also add, my best friend from college is very close to his black belt, so I've been putting in overtime on helping him get there. Its an awesome feeling watching him really come into his own as a martial artist.

[bushido_man96]

To ensure that what was given to me gets passed along. That is the only reason.

Does it not matter whether or not you enjoy it? If it isn't enjoyable, then it would also seem like an obligation.

I enjoy interacting with the students, and I especially enjoy the technical aspects in teaching moves. I enjoy watching the students as they improve from month to month, and year to year.

The cons are that at times it can get frustrating, but that is good in the sense that it makes me look at different ways to "say what I mean," and forces me to become a better teacher in the long run.

[Harlan]

Speaking for myself, I like to keep things simple. It IS an obligation.

Also speaking for myself, I think too many people start and quit training around reasons that are peripheral. Those that stay find 'that one thing' (channeling Curly here ) that keeps them going through the low periods. Same with teaching/sharing.