A Martial Artist’s Reflections on Teaching, Mentorship, and Purpose
I don’t consider myself a MASTER, in the full sense of the word. I really enjoy teaching—not just in the dojo, but also at work. I like to share, to teach what I know, to help, and to tell stories. That’s where it stands. Martial arts are a passion of mine, and it’s a role I take seriously and love.
Being in that position, you get to see your peers and students grow. And here in Veracruz, I saw several reach their next rank with great dedication and effort—and bruises. We had two new nidans (second dan) and one new shodan (first dan).
But it’s different when one of them is your friend and student. One student in particular has been my partner in this virtual class project. Someone I can bounce ideas off of and develop the project with. That virtual group wouldn’t be the same without him, and now he earns his 4th kyu, which brings me immense joy. Congratulations!
A group can grow in number, yes. But growing in quality is what I prefer. Quality in technique, in character, in spirit. And that, in the long run, will help us grow in numbers too.
And that is our privilege as teachers: we have the opportunity to shape the next generation, and how we do it is entirely up to us.
Osu
