Instructorship or Black Belt

[Sensei_Kunz]

In my school, I have two types of certifications upon a student completing years of training in the art of JKD. One certification is awarded for their knowledge and understanding of JKD at a personal level of self-expression, meaning that they have attained the wealth of knowledge they studied for, however, are not able to teach JKD. Some are excellent students and yet, do not have the capacity to teach. The second level of certification is instructorship, meaning the student has reached their understanding in JKD and have the attributes to teach JKD in all aspects and have my blessing.

I know that in many arts other than JKD, once a black belt is earned, the student can do whatever they want. They open new schools with a new name or teach their own philosophies quite different then their previous training. After receiving my first black belt in the arts, to tell the truth, it still took me years of training to completely understand my evolution and self-expression in JKD.

Does anyone else in the arts limit their students upon completion of the required course from teaching if they do not possess the ability?

What is your opinion?


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[Szczepankiewicz]

In the art I study, you must become a licensed instructor and 3rd Dan. You must be able demonstrate your ability to teach the all the techniques in the curriculum. Your philosophy is developed through your training, but I do not believe that you are required to regurgitate what the art teaches without your own influence.

There are only 3 or 4 certified instructors in my art, and only two dojos so far.

SZ

[Sensei_Kunz]

Thanks for your reply. It is good to know that maybe the values of the arts are coming back to where they belong. I know of many dojos that do not practice this philosophy or belief system.
My hat off to your dojo!

[Szczepankiewicz]

I have not trained "officially" in Gracie Jiu Jitsu either, however, I am almost positive that you almost have to be "ordained" to legally teach this art in a commercial capacity.

You can check out our website(s) to see what it takes to become an instructor in our art.

Personally, I don't see how any 1st dan can open a school. You are simply a new beginner at that rank and shouldn't be teaching anything without first mastering all aspects of your art.

SZ

[Sensei_Kunz]

I personally know of some schools here in S. Calif. that offer black belts under a two year program, as long as they pay up front. The Instructors then feel obligated to certify these students, even though they do not make the mark. I have seen many newly black belts immediately open their own dojo and begin teaching.


In my day, that was a long time ago, (LOL) a black belt or instructor had to have proven themself in the martial arts world, either in additional training or competitive fighting. This was when competition sparring was a big thing, unlike today! Everyone wants to compete in Katas now and not fighting. The arts have changed so much over the years that it is sometimes disheartening!

Just my opinion though!

[Szczepankiewicz]

500 Hours Instruction; 1,000 Hours Practice
5 Years Teaching Experience (240 Classes)
280 Rounds of Full Contact Grappling and Sparring against Multiple Attackers


This is an example of some of what we go through.

[Sensei_Kunz]

Damn! I like it!!!!!!! LOL!

[Szczepankiewicz]

Hey, interesting website there. If I pay you 75 an hour will you come to Boise Idaho to teach me a class?

The phrases "simple" and "full contact" run rampant on your website. Also the differences between "competition" and 'self defense' are clearly separate. I like that.

SZ

[Sensei_Kunz]

Anything for you! LOL!

Get together a couple of people or sponsors and I will come out for a couple of days of instruction.
We'd have a blast!

I also invite other instructors to my schools. What I do to assist in the financing is have the local businesses sponsor at $150.00 each for tournament or seminar. It pays all costs and they get great advertising. Then, invite everyone for a nominal fee and we all get toghter and have a great time learning from eachother.

I specialize in full contact tournament/sparring and street fighting tactics. Pure simplicity and directness!

Thanks for the laugh!

Kindest Regards,

[Szczepankiewicz]

That sounds like a good plan for the future. I will keep that in mind and contact you if we are able to pull that off. It will be at least a year before I can do anything though.

Thanks,

SZ

[Sensei_Kunz]

When your ready, just let me know. I can assist in setting it from here. I love to meet and discuss the arts with my peers.

Kindest Regards,

[doubleouch]

In my school we have no ranks so it really isn't a problem. If the instructor thinks you are ready and able to teach, he'll ask you. One thing that you can't forget about teaching is that it is a great learning experience for the teacher. I have learned much more teaching than I ever did as a student. Also, the teacher doesn't have to have all the knowledge in the world in order to teach. It really is not about experience and skill, although having some helps. It is about teaching only what you know and not trying to snow people into believing you know everything about everything. I have never had trouble teaching even things that I did not know well because I always owned up to the fact in advance. If you use what you know well as a base and build on that you can be a good teacher even if you only have a few years of training. Providing you are using good teaching and training methods!

[J.K.]

I have not trained "officially" in Gracie Jiu Jitsu either, however, I am almost positive that you almost have to be "ordained" to legally teach this art in a commercial capacity


Not true - I seen people who teach Gracie JJ who have only achieve blue belt. Gracie JJ has a lot of associate schools.

[Szczepankiewicz]

So what kind of approval do you need to teach "Gracie Jiu Jitsu"?

[Sensei_Kunz]

The reason for this post was to enlighten many on the true aspects of instruction in the arts. I feel many believe that they must be certified or obtain a black belt before they can teach on their own. This is not the case. Anyone without certification or belt may teach anything they want. Beleive it or not, there is more to teaching than just the art.

It is helpful to have a status in the arts or someone that you can rely on as character reference in previous lessons of certification. It is always good to have something on the wall as completion.

Many arts do get a bad name from a bad instructor who does not have the abilities to teach. However, in most cases, they fall by the wasteside for lack of student attendance. Even during the shor time frame that they are in business, they do damage certain aspects of the arts.

There are some that are natural talents in teaching and yet have basic knowledge in the arts. They also fall short, due to the limits they have in techniques and understanding of the arts theat they propose to teach. Some of their students will surpass them, for we all know that some students have natural abilities in taking in everythinhg you teach and more.

Bottom line is only the schoos with knowledge, teaching abilities and understanding of business will survive. If anyone can do that, then they should be acknowledged for their attributes and commitment to teching.

Kindest Regards,