“If anything deserves our protection, it is the authenticity of the art, not the vanity of those who claim to own it.”

(Approx 2 minute 5 second read)

If you teach, you’ve probably noticed the difference between the student who can’t get enough and the one who’s just… well, there. Some people walk into the dojo full of enthusiasm and want to absorb everything they possibly can.
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Others go through the motions and never quite seem to engage.
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Students develop an interest in what we do for all kinds of reasons. Some are genuinely fascinated by the art. Others want to make a parent or an instructor proud. Some are simply driven by their own desire to achieve something.
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If we borrow a little from psychology, motivation generally falls into two categories: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation is when someone learns because the drive comes from within. Extrinsic motivation comes from outside – praise, grades, rewards, even fear of consequences.
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Of course, everyone still has to follow the dojo curriculum. The problem is that, in some places, that curriculum is just the syllabus hanging on the wall – taught in order, step-by-step, so the student can pass the next grade.
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For more experienced and engaged students, that isn’t enough. They want to apply what they’ve learned. They want to test ideas through hands-on practice and see how something works under pressure. That’s how they confirm the principles – and often how they discover new questions they want to explore. It’s not about reaching an endpoint. It’s about continuing the journey.
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There’s nothing wrong with having a structure. But teaching martial arts is far more than simply repeating what’s written on a chart. It takes depth of knowledge, enthusiasm, discipline, care, and – more than anything – a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
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There’s a huge difference between becoming a teacher and becoming a great teacher. Great teachers don’t just introduce material; they present it with energy, encourage curiosity, and try to ignite a hunger in their students to keep learning for themselves. The right mentor knows how to challenge you – and where to focus your attention. I know, I have certainly be challenged at times.
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People have always respected genuine experts – those who’ve spent years, even decades, refining their craft. Sadly, we now see more and more instructors (they’re not teachers) who cut corners. Shallow knowledge, fast-tracked ranks, and a curriculum that never goes any deeper than the surface… it isn’t enough.
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And that’s really the point – learning is about going beyond the information given. I share my thoughts and opinions here on this Page, but what matters most to me is how knowledge is shared. Too often, people measure themselves by rank and appearances rather than genuine understanding – and that’s exactly what we need to avoid if we want students to truly grow.
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Personally, I’ve always loved learning, and I still do. But in the end, that’s a journey only you can take. So, thank you to all my instructors, teachers, and mentors – for showing me that learning is a journey, and for inspiring me to keep taking it myself.
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Written by Adam Carter – Shuri Dojo
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Photo credit: With thanks to Patrick McCarthy Hanshi for the image and quote.

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