I didn’t realise I love teaching until I started to make a real change to people’s lives.
Working in a Job that pays a salary can be a chore and I have grafted all my life to make ends meet, so I truly know what being in the 9-5 rat race involves.
Teaching students Martial Arts is different, and it doesn’t feel like working. The energy that is created in class Is a real addiction, but making a difference to people’s lives is just on another level.
Even if I was financially free of the ties of life, I would always come back to teaching Martial Arts.
Initially, when I first started out as a new Black Belt, I felt that the level of my instruction was at a high enough level to attract newcomers to the club, but that was my ego making that assumption.
My efforts to succeed in Traditional Japanese Ju-Jitsu were not enough despite my skill level, so my first attempt at running a Martial arts class actually failed.
I have learnt my craft the hard way but have worked hard to apply myself and have earnt various Black Belts in different Martial Arts with blood sweat and tears literally.
Making a success of it I knew had to get involved with the business side of the club, marketing the club in a particular way whilst still being involved technically on the front end of things. Being involved in the training is hard work but, in my mind, absolutely necessary. Some Instructors begin to step aside as Black Belts- pacing up and down in class shouting numbers of repetitions at students instead of putting gloves on and physically sharing the knowledge.
There have been times when we first started that I would have to pay the rent from my own pocket as well as for new equipment, matts gloves etc.
Equally, there have been some testing conversations with family members about the time that I spend away from the home dedicating myself to my club and my dream.
The whole home and work balance has been a very tricky process to uphold and sometimes damaging if the bigger picture is miss understood. Whilst all this has been going on- the running of the club has been in addition to my 9-5-day job, which is more like 8:30 am-6 pm. There is nothing more tricky than getting up at 7 am and not returning home till 10 pm.
My standing as a Martial Artist has also been at stake. Failure again would prevent this legacy being passed on to my family members and students, the true cost of this for me is insurmountable.
My role as a father is to ensure my Wife and children are cared for when I am no longer on this planet.
My Legacy aside, in the small town of Milton Keynes my standing as a Martial Artist would be destroyed.
“In the event of our club failing, at least we would have improved the lives of so many of our students by showing them Budo* or the Martial arts way”.
As a student, I always knew what constituted a good class, one of which was positive and full of lessons to be enjoyed and skilfully adapted to life. Even in the Negative classes/lessons/teaching methods I truly believed there was something to be taken away. I chose to ensure that to the best of my ability, negativity would not be repeated on my patch in my school.
This included changing techniques and methods for ones that do not work and having an open mind on what works for others- even if I believe they do. This of course was frowned upon by my elders especially if it challenged their curriculum.
I always try to do better for others and for myself. Now in my fifties, I do my best to not give up and train as hard now as I did in my thirties. I hope this is a valuable lesson for my student to receive- never give up.
Ultimately, I’m trying to help everyone achieve improvement in their life.
People are no longer confident and are more anxious than ever, afraid of failure and scared to change by keeping themselves in their comfort zone.
By training in Martial Arts, I am helping people to overcome their own crises.
The wider problem of screen starring, couch-dwelling, and social reclusion is what I am helping to solve. Helping people to change their positions to something better by becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable.
My clients are students and families of students-typically Mums and Dads that enrol their children on the club. They range in age from 4 years and as old to 72! Male and female, employed and unemployed, physically fit and not. We appeal to complete beginners, and experienced athletes alike from all cultures.
We help them develop the following things for our students:
- Technical Kickboxing Skills for sport and self-defence applications.
- Self-protection skills and awareness of dangerous environments.
- Improve Fitness Levels and better health conditions.
- Increase and develop Confidence levels.
- Widen Social circle and acceptance.
Prospective students may look to improve and develop themselves and take value in the change that they ultimately dream of making for themselves.
Going to a Martial arts club isn’t necessarily the first ‘go to’ choice of ‘sports’ activities or hobbies available for individuals to get involved in.
Also, for some, there is a fear factor of being involved in a contact sport in a strange environment with other unknown individuals. Some may consider age and fitness as a factor for not going. Whatever it is, we have true testimonials from individuals who have taken the leap of faith and wonderful feedback from parents.
Dean said:
“My boys have been training with Sensei John and Riley for coming up a year now and the progress has been awesome when they first started my boys were quite shy and reserved now are completely different both getting stuck in, and their confidence has gone through the roof. My youngest has always been a bit wild and Kickboxing has helped him develop great discipline. He has his first competition this weekend and is so excited to be able to represent the club”.
This is a true account of a huge turnaround. Proudly, I am happy to announce that his son went on to beat everyone in his group and win the tournament in his category– a testament to his dedication.
Here’s another from a family of Kickboxers:
“I am so glad we found this club last year, they have been amazing for the whole family!! Physically and mentally and not only for my children but my husband also! John and Riley are both incredible and I couldn’t think of better role models for our family”.
And another:
“Choosing TMKA for my son’s Kickboxing has been nothing but positive. His confidence and commitment are evident inside and outside of the dojo and he’s learning transferable skills which is brilliant. Its really lovely to see him take pride in his achievements and that of others at the club as they grow. Sensei John gives 100% in every lesson and is always approachable. I couldn’t be happier with his progress!”.
And Last- but not exclusively:
“I was taking my dog for a walk in January 2018 and passed the community centre. I saw through the window a class being presented in Kickboxing. I decided to pop in and have a chat about the class. I spoke to Sensei John who said to come along to the next lesson on Tuesday to see what it’s all about. I went along to the following Tuesday and joined right away. It’s now been three months and I feel great. Sensei john’s teaching skills are methodical with great direction in the dojo, My confidence, fitness and skill have all improved exponentially. High recommended!”.
*Budo is a way of life that encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual training, with the goal of developing oneself and contributing to society,
