Ok so this might be a loaded topic but it must be discussed for the progression of ALL martial artists. And I am specifically using the word martial artist because as a Head Coach, Professor and Instructor you are standing up among the centuries of teachers before you and saying, “I want to pass on what it means to be a martial artist”. I am not talking about body building, stage ready, Instagram perfect level of fitness. But in shape enough to look, act and feel healthy. So lets get down too WHY you should be in shape for your yourself, your students and your art.
#1: PERSONAL PERFORMANCE.
Your body is the vehicle to which you deliver your art. The better the vehicle the better you are able to create, grow and enhance your own skill. Black Belt or not, YOU are still on the journey to learn, grow and become more within the art you love.
To get the most out of your own training, with other head instructors or your students, being in shape allows you the opportunity to enhance your own game, skill and teaching abilities. If you are unable to perform a move, how can you teach it? Being physically fit allows you to think clearer and gives you a happier demeanor with the confidence that comes along with being fit. You owe it to yourself to be the BEST VERSION of yourself you can be.
#2: FAILING YOUR STUDENTS.
Have you ever seen a head instructor gasping for breath as they try to teach a technique? Have you seen them answer a question to a move you know they could never possibly have attempted? Or even worse they barely roll/train with their own students? You represent the benefits of your art so how can you tell a new student, “this is a great workout”, when OBVIOUSLY you wouldn’t know. You are that new students best and, often, first representation of your school and art, wouldn't you want it to be seen in the best light possible?
Even your more advanced student’s and/or students who have known you a long time. They do not get the FULL benefit of learning from you and growing more through your teachings because you can never really give them tough rolls or show them the proper move because you physically can not perform the technique. Staying in shape will prove the benefits of training to the new student and it will continue to provide high training value to the advanced students who have stuck it out on this journey. I for one am A LOT less likely to trust an overweight coach than I am a fit one.
#3: FOR YOUR ART.
There is a deep reverence that goes along side of deciding to teach a martial art. You are joining the very few who want to be recognized as a TEACHER and one who lives the lifestyle. One of the best ways to show and represent your claims is with your commitment to your physical abilities.
Your art deserves the best representation (meaning you) possible because you are passing along not just knowledge and techniques, but WAYS of behaving, acting and living. The Samurai and many other cultures always had a deep respect for the performance of the body. WHY? Because one day they would be in combat and they knew that the better they can perform their art the longer they would live.
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Summing up this blog I just want to state, I am NOT saying we need to be in “6 pack ab” shape or that I dont know how challenging staying in shape is as you get older (which is really an excuse).
I AM saying however that we are in the business of creating better humans through martial arts. So HOW can we do this if we first are not the practitioners of what we preach?
