Why Martial Artists and Coaches Make the Best Instructors

[Shari Blair]

I always hear the argument...you don't need a black belt to defense
yourself (I know, I said it). This is absolutely 100% true. Self
Defense is NOT a martial art. But teaching self defense IS.
I'll explain...
As a martial artist or an athlete you are taught in a systematic
fashion. Skills are taught in a progressive manner, each one building
on the next. Practice and workouts are designed to develop skill and
conditioning along the way. A systematic learning pattern is a huge
value and makes all the difference in the level of instruction you
receive. People who haven't spent a long time in a competitive sport
or legitimate martial art don't understand this fundamental, but
incredibly important concept.
The human body and brain is built a certain way and it processes
information in a particular manner. Imagine going into basic math
class where one minute you're learning about addition and the next
it's fractions, then calculus. How well do you think you would even
understand basic addition? Well this holds true in most self defense
instruction scenarios. The instructor decides what he or she wants to
teach and that's it. This is the same reasons why most seminars and
instruction fail. There is no system of implementation or education
behind it.
Most instructors today have little or no real teaching or coaching
credentials. I know sometimes we belittle your average strip mall
karate school, but these people understand systems, implantation,
class structure and how to follow a curriculum. It still amazes me how
"instructors" and "experts" just get together and wing it. Sure there
are times for exploration in class, but you need a syllabus and
structure based on the progressive learning model in order to get
REAL, sustainable results.
Yes, most martial arts and combat sports systems don't exactly
translate well into self defense, but how they teach and how they
implement it does.
It comes to no surprise that people like Fairbairn, O' Neill and
Cestari all spent time in traditional martial arts. They knew the
value of this training and understood how to build and develop systems
based on the proven model of martial arts training.
Plus, the ability to commit to a program speaks volumes about your
character. It's important not just to understand where martial arts'
training fits in the big picture, but how to sacrifice and sweat.
It's true that you don't need martial arts to defend yourself, but if
you are going to teach, you must understand basic techniques and
principles of teaching (or learn from someone who does).
Coaches and Instructors may not be the best fighters, but they should
now what goes into making one.

How To Fight In A Real Street Fight: http://www.selfdefensef.tk/

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