How did you start your career as a karate instructor?
I was hosting a barbecue at my parents’ home for my students over twenty five years ago.
I was approached by a gentleman who was the CEO of Try Youth & Community Services.
He offered me a job, the job was to start dojos (karate clubs) all over Melbourne.
The year was 1984.
Can karate training make people more aggressive?
Karate is a discipline which uses martial training to reach its goal. If the teacher does not teach the discipline aspect (e.g. humility, respect for others, honesty and all aspects of integrity.) the answer is yes, karate can make people more aggressive.
I believe the violence that is so often leading to death is directly involved to the Martial Arts.
What makes you stand out from other martial arts instructors?
The only thing I can think of is that I am still teaching all my classes at the age of 61 years old.
At the age of 61, you’re still going strong. Do you plan to retire any time soon?
Teaching karate is like marriage, you get married you’re meant to stay married, when you start to teach a student, you have to take them as far as they wish to go.
If they wish to train all their lives you must be there for them. I have had students that stop and return; the dojo must be there for them.
Do you have any tips for parents who want to send their kids to martial arts programs?
Look for longevity. I have students who help me teach that have been training for over 15 years.
Many classical styles have been around for many years.
Look for ability. Can the teacher do it? Look at the students. Is the class tidy? Does it look safe?
If you see sparring is it controlled properly? Many parents send their kids to the closest or the cheapest.
Martial arts is very serious, they are not all the same.
What are your tips for aspiring martial arts students?
There are many reasons for people to start martial arts: they may want to be champion, they may want to meet people, most want to learn to defend themselves.
Potential students will look for a teacher to suit them.
This can be a trap, because expectations change and in a traditional dojo it is the job of a teacher to grow a student.