Giving Back
01/Aug/10
Just got back from an exam at Ysabell Merhout’s dojo. My car temperature gauge said 112 when I got in to drive back home. Luckily the students didn’t have to perform outside! I am so proud of Ysabell for continuing her teaching at not only the YMCA and the AWTC gym but at her own dojo built at the back of her home mostly with her own hands (I am sure her husband, Thomas, helped a lot as well).
She is just one of many examples of AKATO students giving back to the martial arts. I am fortunate to have so many dedicated black belts in our organization. You know, that is one of the requirements for black belt--the desire to give back to the arts. Many people in other schools earn their black belt and then promptly quit to engage in the next activity that tickles their fancy. They may have achieved that black piece of cloth to tie around their waist but they didn’t become true martial artists.
The desire to pass along the lessons (physical and mental and emotional) that one has learned moves you to becoming not just a student but a teacher. I want all the people we promote to black belt to become teachers and example for others. You probably know that “sensei” literally means “one who have traveled farther down the path.” For those of us who have trod that path called life, we have a duty to help others find sure footing. That’s what a sensei is.