If you are teaching, who was the first person to be your student? How did you find this person or how did the student find you?

Not counting teaching as an instructor under the very watchful eyes of our Soke and Dai-Soke or for teaching at the college; because those students were provided. All I had to do was just show up for classes.

When I opened my Kyuodan dojo as a Sandan, I passed out flyers anywhere and everywhere to advertise my upcoming grand opening. Had 2 classes for my grand opening; kids and adults. I signed up 75 students. 

So, I found my first STUDENTS, not student through my proactive advertising, of which, my prospective students found me and I found them.

Edited September 15, 2025Sep 15 by sensei8

My first student was my child.

Unless you want a more philosophical answer, in which case I was my first student.

There are few things in martial arts practise that are as rewarding as the opportunity to share it with one’s own child. Generations ago it was much more common for parents skilled in something to actually pass it down and teach/train a son or daughter. The possibility of this is actually a great personal reason to keep practicing.

22 hours ago, Spartacus Maximus said:

There are few things in martial arts practise that are as rewarding as the opportunity to share it with one’s own child. Generations ago it was much more common for parents skilled in something to actually pass it down and teach/train a son or daughter. The possibility of this is actually a great personal reason to keep practicing.

I've been enjoying it immensely. It's can be hard to teach your children, especially at first. You're their parent, and kids have a hard time switching into that mode of learning rather than just being your child. Anyone with a child who was in school during lockdown can tell you this. However, it is very rewarding.

I have two first students –

I set up a karate club when I was a graduate student through our university. I put up flyers on every bulletin board I could find on campus. My first student ended up being a computer science major, probably because the comp sci building was next to my own building and I could hang the flyers there most consistently. Anyway she ended up finishing her undergrad and continuing on her Masters degree so we were able to train together for several years. She made it to green belt then joined another Goju-ryu dojo when she graduated and got her shodan there. Great student and we’re still in touch.

My 2nd first student is from when I opened my current dojo. He contacted me almost as soon as the website went live. We trained together for about 6 months before another student even joined lol. Unfortunately, he had to move back to his home country, but again he was able to find a Goju-ryu dojo there and has kept training. Really good chance to get his shodan, imo. Another great student and we’re also still in touch.

I’ve been lucky to have those two. That “first follower” is so important and can really set the tone for the dojo. I’m grateful to have had committed students come in the door.

I’ve come to think that you get back what you put out. And approaching teaching with an open heart and open mind netted me some high-quality students and good friends. It has been a very affirming experience for me and I hope a positive one for my students.

On 7/7/2026 at 10:49 AM, ryanryu said:

I’ve come to think that you get back what you put out. And approaching teaching with an open heart and open mind netted me some high-quality students and good friends. It has been a very affirming experience for me and I hope a positive one for my students.

Absolutely.