Ok so this might be a loaded topic, but it MUST be discussed for the progression of ALL martial artists.
I’m specifically using the word martial artist because as a head coach, professor and instructor, you’re 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’m not talking about body building, stage-ready, instagram model level of fitness; but being in good enough shape to look, act and feel healthy.
Lets get down to WHY you should be in shape for your yourself, your students and your art.
#1: PERSONAL PERFORMANCE.
Your body is the vehicle in which you deliver your art.
The better the vehicle, the more efficient/effective you will be creating, growing, and enhancing 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, you must be in some type of decent shape for the the opportunity to enhance your own game, skill and teaching abilities. If you are unable to perform a technique because of, for example a limited range of motion, how can you teach the technique to your students?! Not only that, but being physically fit allows you to think clearer and gives you a happier demeanor with the confidence that comes 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?
As a coach, you represent the benefits of your art. How can you tell a new student, “this is a great workout”, when you OBVIOUSLY wouldn’t know. Often times, you are that new students first representation of your school and of martial arts in general, so wouldn’t you want it to be seen in the best light possible?
Even your more advanced student’s and those who have known you for a long time – they do NOT get the full benefits of learning from you and growing through your teachings because when you’re out of shape, you can’t really give them tough rolls or show them the proper technique because you physically can not perform the technique.
Staying in shape will not only prove the benefits of training to new students, but it will continue to provide high-value training to the advanced students who have stuck it out with you 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 the decisions to teach martial arts. You are joining the very few who want to be recognized as a TEACHER and who also 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 (you) possible because you are passing along not just knowledge and techniques, but WAYS of behaving, acting and living. The pioneers of martial arts, samurai’s and many other of these cultures always had a deep respect for the performance of the body. WHY? Because one day they would be in a hand-to-hand combat and they knew that the better they can perform their art the higher the chance of their survival.
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Summing up this blog I just want to state, I’m NOT saying we need to be in “6 pack ab” shape or that I don’t know how challenging it is to stay in shape as you get older (which is certainly a valid struggle).
I AM saying however that we are in the business of creating better humans through martial arts. HOW can we do this if we aren’t the first practitioners of what we preach?
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Author : David Bamber
