Parting Ways: A Natural Turning Point in Training?

 

Posted by ADAM CARTER on OCT 04, 2024

Parting Ways: A Natural Turning Point in Training?

(Approx 1 minute 40 second read)

Many instructors pour their heart and soul into their dojo, some with little or no financial gain. Yet, this dedication is frequently overlooked. A good instructor’s mission is to help students improve and grow in their martial arts journey – not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.

For practitioners it’s about following your passion while respecting your teachers and mentors, but most importantly, staying true to yourself.

Students leave their training for many reasons: boredom, life pulling them in different directions – whether through work, family, injury, or other commitments. The martial arts demands dedication, time, and effort, and not everyone is prepared for that level of commitment.

I’ve experienced this firsthand, as I’ve had students leave the dojo after many years of training. Some left without a word, while others sent me a simple text. It’s a bittersweet reality of being a teacher, and the reality is that every student will eventually quit. It’s inevitable. As a teacher, your focus should be on those who are eager to learn right now. For some, commitment to training is a fleeting promise rather than a solid guarantee.

Many practitioners reach a ‘natural turning point’ in their training. They gain what they need from a teacher and then move on to something new. While this can be hard for instructors, who may feel their efforts were in vain, it’s essential to remember that every moment of instruction still adds value to the student’s life and training.

Sometimes students outgrow their teacher because they’re ready for something different. This doesn’t invalidate the instructor’s teachings; it enriches the student’s journey by adding another layer of knowledge. That ‘natural turning point’ is not a failure but a natural stage in the path of the martial arts.

The martial arts, like the people who practice it, is diverse. It evolves as we evolve. To truly honor the art, be proud of what you’ve learned and taught, be happy for those you’ve influenced, and recognize that you remain part of their journey – even after they move on.

“The greatest gifts you can give your students are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” – Adapted from Denis Waitley

In the end, the mark of a great instructor is not how long students stay, but how deeply they carry the lessons forward.

Written by AC.

 Photo Credit: Stockcake