Taking Charge

For the student who has aspirations of becoming a black belt, I highly recommend taking an interest in teaching. Any act of altruism eventually comes full circle; by teaching, the teacher learns. But more than possessing knowledge, teachers are afforded a certain authority. They mete out the rules, decisions, and their consequences; they are responsible. This is what former US president Harry Truman meant when he said, "The buck stops here." Teachers are held as role models, and their behavior and actions are intended to guide, influence, and impart the right disposition and attitude in students. I believe this is an important part of the maturation process for the aspiring martial artist that should not be missed. If through instructing one learns, then through leading, one becomes self-empowered.


Genuine leadership entails becoming part of the group effort, not just putting one's feet up on a desk. Most of the instructors I've had through the years trained alongside the rest of the class. This dispells the notion that the sensei is on some kind of an ego trip. It also creates a sense of unity and camaraderie in the dojo. Training is still the way, even for long time practitioners. It's important to understand that leaders should not be dependent on the existence of followers, nor vice versa. To lead the way creates new leaders, not the need for more followers.