Agree or refuse?

[Spartacus Maximus]

Just a question for the sake of argument about teaching martial arts: what do you think you would do differently? 

hypothetical situation: After recognizing you as “the martial arts guy” from the community centre(your frequent solo training place) a grandmother and two school age children come asking if you teach/how much for lessons?

The MA guy has never taught formally or outside his instructor’s school. He knows he has been explicitly allowed to teach. The MA guy is still himself a student.

The MA are very commonly considered a children’s activity; and assuming the adult was asking for the children MA guy refuses.

Politely MA guy explains that he is allowed to teach but will not teach children. He also explains that although he would be the only one of his art and lineage, MA guy is himself a student and still training with his instructor of the last 10 years.

[sensei8]

We’re all students of the MA; that will never change because humans don’t know everything and we’re not perfect whatsoever. Even whenever I was teaching at my own dojo forever and a day, I was still training with my Sensei up to the day he passed away.

Instructors can choose whomever they want to teach, and at the same time, the instructor can choose to not teach at all, even if they’re allowed to do so.

[Montana]

 

I'd be sure to clarify that part about "I'm not allowed to teach children" because that makes you sound like a predator. It's the times we live in.

I don't understand the part about "the only one of his art and lineage". Lost me there what that means in reference to this.

If you, the MA Guy, have permission to teach adults, just explain that to them. If you have permission to teach adults, but don't want to, just tell them you're a student and don't teach.

Pretty simple to me.

[Zaine]

I might suggest other places that the grandmother could go, but if you don't want to teach children that is valid. If you don't want to teach at all, that is also valid. No need for justification beyond that.

[JazzKicker]

The old school response is NO, Go away! Then the kids come back and ask again. You say NO. Then the 3rd time, you hand them a broom and a mop.....

The McDojo way is, Sure, here's a free uniform, just pay for 1 year in advance, or you can join the Black Belt Club for 50% off....

I wouldn't take it too seriously, people ask questions, say they want to train all the time, and mostly nothing comes of it. It is kind of odd ("in this day & age") that a grandmother would approach a random guy in a community center to interact with children. If it was me, and I at least knew them by sight, with an adult guardian present I'd show them a couple of things, pique their interest, and recommend a school.