What Qualities Do Those that make Martial Arts their life's work or avocation have?

[JazzKicker]

The people the run schools, whether it's part-time outside of a day job, or do it full time, even head up organizations, they have something extra, a drive, energy, inspiration.

I've trained for a long time, and way back when, taught classes regularly at my instructor's school. But I had a career job, never had my own school or program. I know it takes dedication, when others are counting on you to show up, or if you don't have enough students to cover rent, etc.

What qualities set them apart?

[crash]

i think a lot of them started as children and stuck with it to the point of making it a career. i started Martial arts at 15, after wrestling in school for a couple years. some do "karate" as a workout, or hobby and it goes no further, for others it becomes a lifestyle and they work their lives around that, same as gym owners or body builders... it becomes who you are more than a hobby you do in your spare time. ive taught at a few places and ran my own program for a while, while working a regular job. moving around hindered it actually becoming my full time career. 

Edited to add: while its easy to say life gets in the way at times, that is only because of the life we have chosen. had i chosen to try to run a full time dojo instead of part time, life would have been different and a way would have been found. its all in how much we want something and how dedicated we are at achieving that goal.... its never too late to make the necessary changes, we do it all the time for most goals or pursuits.

Edited April 22 by crash

[bushido_man96]

I think it's a combination of things; the desire to pass things onto others, along with having the time and resources available to do so.  Possessing the ability to teach well is another strong point.

[sensei8]

Above all qualities that are necessary is…integrity!! Without that, there’s nothing you can achieve of themselves.

[KarateKen]

On 4/21/2025 at 3:18 PM, JazzKicker said:

The people the run schools, whether it's part-time outside of a day job, or do it full time, even head up organizations, they have something extra, a drive, energy, inspiration.

I've trained for a long time, and way back when, taught classes regularly at my instructor's school. But I had a career job, never had my own school or program. I know it takes dedication, when others are counting on you to show up, or if you don't have enough students to cover rent, etc.

What qualities set them apart?

I think it is the same as it is for most long-term career building.  A combination of dedication, perseverance, and interest in the field, as well as satisfaction from what they are doing.  I've never met a martial arts instructor who didn't love martial arts.  All the head instructors I have met have a great work ethic as well.  They enjoy learning and teaching. They are exciting when their students progress.  The buzz word is "passion" but I think satisfaction or fulfillment fit better. After all, it is tough have passion for something you find unfulfilling. The same would apply if someone wanted to be a lawyer, musician, doctor, professor, etc.  Hard work, perseverance, and forcing yourself not to give up when it gets tough can go a long way in any career.  

[sensei8]

On 4/28/2025 at 7:42 AM, sensei8 said:

Above all qualities that are necessary is…integrity!! Without that, there’s nothing you can achieve of themselves.

In addition, and in no specific order…

1) Teaching abilities 

2) Experience 

3) Knowledge