A Call to Arms

 

Perhaps an unpopular opinion, but a valid one nonetheless. Buckle up.

“Martial arts are for everyone!” We’ve heard that so many times from enthusiastic teachers… but are they, really?

A great teacher will realize that each individual student comes in with different strengths, needs and experiences – but are we, as teachers, truly giving each individual what they need from us? ARE WE MAKING MARTIAL ARTS MORE ACCESSIBLE TO THOSE WHO NEED IT??

There are so many, many potential students; so many individuals NEEDING what we have to offer – and there are things WE, as instructors, can do to help encourage, invite and perhaps help them remove the barriers between them and training with us.

Some hard questions:

 

- Why do we talk individual benefits, but still largely use a cookie-cutter approach in our                               programs?

 

- Why do we not actively and openly promote a culture of acceptance, diversity and respect?

 

- If we promote self-defense, why are we not more openly welcoming of LGBQT individuals (who

  are statistically at higher risk of assault)?

 

- Why do we not seek to provide more trauma-informed methods into teaching?

 

- Why do we not promote more adaptive methods for those with varying ability?

 

There are MANY individuals who NEED our teachings, and we have GOT to do BETTER in trying to reach them.