Your story is nearly identical to mine. I owned my first Taekwondo school at age 22. I taught like my Korean instructor with accent and all. I eventually realized that the fear of making mistakes was preventing my progression and enjoyment.
Wow! It's incredible how we sometimes share even the most specific of stories. But I do believe that the fear of an instructor is a fairly universal aspect that derives from how the Martial arts culture is structured
So why did you stop yourself with mimicking instead developing yourself more. Even Rokas seemed to need an Bjj Instructor to tell him about the transition from rigid to flowing in the form of principles instead of his instructors. If you compare it to life you learn in school writing, but you do not stay at just writing what you were mimicking but instead to begin flowing like writing letters of yourself. That is what all the headmasters have done like ueshiba or in your case general Choi, did you notice that nowadays choi kwan do is existing? There is a nice documentary, please have a look "Grand Master Kwang Jo Choi Documentary"
@@Tr1s I don't see the issue with treating it like a hobby, same as any other sport, they should just be separate. It'd be ridiculous to blame chill people playing tennis only in the weekends holding back professionals tennis players.
thats why "real fake" martial artist are out there - no one trys to show them the flaws at there thinking, they doensnt want to destroy the picture of the "perfect" Sensei
Its a testament of your great character that you didn't let the students control who you truly are. Many people fall into a trap where they have to keep up some kind of illusion of who they are because other people put them up on a pedestal.
@@MartialArtsJourney There is a real Taiwan Grandmaster of Monkey Kung Fu WITH INSANE RESUME like part of army, special forces and others often found in the descriptions of the older videos found in Vahva fitness channel on youtube. They are making a course of the monkey kung fu for like $2000, maybe u can try and see if its real if not expose them? Explaining Tai Chi and others in their videos
@@MartialArtsJourney at least you have atmitted your faults unlike most people my father figure tells me the hunger is in my head, just dont think about the pain why cant you fit in and I guess thats why Ive given up. Also if you believe in the 7 deadly sins there are 7 other things unknown to most of humanity
Trust me bro you’re a special person and you truly have inspired me. I’ve been following since before you started MMA and the amount of respect I gained for you seeing how you looked at Akido realistically even though it’s really hard when you’ve loved it your whole life just goes to show you’re a special person that truly wants to be better.
After my first 1.5 hour straight 10 minutes round sparing night of bjj my coach handed me a beer. That's when I new this gym was going to work out great
Been following your Martial Arts Journey for a couple years now and I must say, by being honest with yourself and all of us on UA-cam you have inspired and earned the respect of so many people outside of your dojo. We are all your students. Oss
The psychology behind decisions and behavior of both you and other martial artists you encounter in your path is fascinating. One of the interesting part for me is how usually more aggressive people lean towards MMA and from cocky they usually become humble after experiencing what violence can lead. While a lot of 'traditional' martial artists basically go the opposite route. Also how some people prefer to be guided by a fraud then to think for themselves.
Comes down to the culture it's hard to have a big ego when there's always the possibility of getting dropped...as my Muay Thai instructor said "everyone's a hero until they get punched in the face"
So true! Started at a traditional kung fu school and ended up training Muay Thai at a modern gym and the difference is night and day. Felt like leaving a cult.
Man you inspire me to be a better person. Someone who looks at themselves critically is awesome. Thank you for being a real man and a real inspiration.
My Sensei was most humble, wise man and made sure everyone felt relaxed and happy. When learning the techniques, he said it does not matter wether it takes five minutes or five years. It was a great place to be and we were all very close.
There is also one thing you need to remember "you cannot teach or guide everyone to success. Only the teaching part is yours. The whole learning process still depends on the students". Great content brother 👍
My first taekwondo sensei was a local bouncer. He was overweight, a bit of a drunk and a foul-mouth. He was also honest, supportive and friendly father figure for most of us. Best sensei I ever had!
Hey rokas, great video. I think this is very insightful to talk about especially amongst the tma scene where everything in most dojos is very much rigid, and when it is taught that way and there isn't much place to admit any mistakes and you aren't entirely honest about things it creates a toxic environment.
This is one of the best and most interesting videos I have seen on UA-cam, and boy I have seen me some UA-cam clips i my days. This story would make a great movie, be it Hollywood or independent. You have touched upon something that goes to the very bottom of the human experience. Thanks for your honesty and sharing.
One of the most honest stories I've ever heard in 36 years of martial arts. This happens a lot in Wing Chun and Capoeira, the arts that I practice. Capoeira can even be very cult-ish so alot of this rang close to home. Great video man!
Capoeira is a religious practice it comes from the coming of age rites of practice from the candomblé religion, which is an evolution of the Angolan-Congolese folk religion from which it evolved. Same thing with Aikido its original development had nothing to do with sport or fitness it comes from the ideologies of Omoto Kyo Shintoism. Just as Yoga it's people in the global western civilization who try to make these activities something they weren't meant to be that's calisthenics, sports, and self-defense. What they truly are can be categorized as ethnoreligous training regime to convey particular doctrines through a martial art praxis just as a war dance, sword dance, stage combat, peking opera, shaolin kung fu, sumo, kyudo, iaido, taijichuan, baguazhuang, xingyiquan. Their reason of being is to convey ideology through movement. In the west sports such as fencing, wrestling, track and field confer the ideas of beauty, honor, fame, fairness, competitiveness, acknowledging others accomplishments, keeping records to improve upon, etc. The engarde salute in fencing is literally the sign of the cross without the religious meaning of being a dieu gard (due guard) while keeping the symbol meaning.
@@kevionrogers2605 a detailed answer and insight, but only half accurate when it comes to capoeira’s intent for self defense. Capoeira in its earliest and ritualistic form, know as capoeira Angola, was indeed ceremonial and completely looked different from what it looks like today (I.e. the newer styles of Regional and Miudinho styles which involve high kicks take downs and acrobatics), so up to that point you’re correct. But centuries ago when slaves from Angola were brought to Brazil, they continued their practice and began hiding their self defense techniques to keep their preparation for defense disguised. Though this is partly folkloric tale, it is difficult to get more detailed accounts of this evolution since capoeira history was mostly passed down orally and not more documented until 20th century when mestres like Pastinha and Bimba came into the scene and the more modern age of capoeira started. But, do not be fooled, if you got to a capoeira mcdojo it’s practicality will not be good, but there are MANY capoeiristas who will throw down and fight in and out of the roda and use roundhouses, take downs, submissions and even punches. Capoeira has some real fighting monsters, but not everyone likes the fighting aspect. Personally, after many injuries, I enjoy the dance and acrobatic elements myself but have trained and met many who are now MMA fighters whose roots are all from capoeira. Examples and videos can be shared readily :)
@@kevionrogers2605 an example of a stronger more fight-oriented game. There are times to show off acrobatics, be more ritualistic and cooperative, and then there are times to test your fighting. All of this is dictated depending on the rhythms played by the musicians or the circle (roda). Here’s a sample of some sao bento games which are more aggressive. ua-cam.com/video/FArJtZyylf0/v-deo.html
@@kurosakilito I'm from New Orleans I grew up with practices that evolved from Engolo and Calinda from my grandfather, father, and uncles, so I had a much less developed divergent form of capoeira. I had a neighbor in New Orleans who is Afro-Brazilian and we practiced. In Birmingham, Alabama where I currently live the owner of Gracie Barra Pelham BJJ academy wife use to do Capoeira back in Brazil, and I did a few sessions with her; I went there to teach Judo class before the pandemic. Also Engolo is still practiced in Angola and Zambia.
I know that feeling of a weird atmosphere at a Dojo. It's the same reason why I started personally distancing myself from the others and trying to keep a more or less "professional" relationship. I feel that in rank based martial arts such as Japanese ones this kind of mentality develops quickly
The clarity and the openness of that video just blew me away! To open your heart, that way is in my opinion, is the greatest aikido I've ever seen! (I'm not an aikido stylist... but have much respect). Bottom line, you attract the people you attract. When you're real, it attract real people.. And I'm not qualified to say it... But I think you have done something that is best described as badass.
You and I are all most the same, only I'm still scared to come out and do my thing out of fear of the trolls and stalkers. I think it's awesome how you got your dojo back. I think your great. Keep. Doing what your doing my friend. 👍🙏
Kudos for being so reflective. Nobody is perfect and everyone makes mistakes. True strength is to admit your mistakes and try to improve - hiding your mistakes and flaws is weakness. I wouldn't trust anyone, sensei or not, if they gave an impression of flawlessness. I'd always pick a mentor who isn't afraid to admit flaws. That mentor is willing to learn and will try to improve. That is the kind of person I want to look up to. Many aren't searching for that, many seek perfection to guide them. And I don't want to blame them. But in the end you're living in a lie. Learning never ends, for anyone. I'd want a mentor who is willing to learn.
@@JohnyB1989 thx ridi. always appreciated. our club is focusing on teaching, recreating and "playing" with the sword. there is no hirarchy or such. i love this atmosphere too and as a teacher it is "easy" to teach because there is no pressure. but the other side of the coin is that our club is not focused on tournaments or fame. so in the end the students should decided what they up to. having fun and having a great time learning HEMA or drills and tournaments. both intensions are noble in my eyes but complete different ways to teach.
It’s so easy to get caught up in trying to be a great martial artist that you can forget it’s also about becoming a better person too. Thanks for sharing your journey and reminding us not to forget about becoming better and more balanced marital artists and human beings. Ps. I’m also a huge fellow comic book fan :)
Your a brave man and unfortunately sacrifices have to be made...there’s not many people who would do what you have done but it’s so important what you are doing, we should always look for the truth in history..
Sometimes the truth is hard to hear. To reveal your weakness is a test of character to yourself and to others. To find out what is inside. Training for the mind, spirit and heart. Respect to you.
I think your experience shows that many people approach martial arts as a religion, in that it is a way to define themselves as 'better than others', simply for being a 'member', in a way that has nothing to do with measurable skills, actions, or outcomes. In your initial approach as a teacher, you inadvertently formed a 'church'... when you showed humanity, you 'fell from grace' in the eyes of those who wanted an idol they could affiliate themselves with... and later, with deliberate openness, you formed a community. Thanks for sharing this slice of your experience running a school. On an note unrelated to martial-arts, all the back-end work you put into your videos--writing, editing, recording, cutting together illustrative clips--your content is really high-quality and impactful.
@@MartialArtsJourneyThere is a real Taiwan Grandmaster of Monkey Kung Fu WITH INSANE RESUME like part of army, special forces and others often found in the descriptions of the older videos found in Vahva fitness channel on youtube. They are making a course of the monkey kung fu for like $2000, maybe u can try and see if its real if not expose them? He has very interesting topics and videos
Great video. It goes beyond martial arts and encompasses the general aspect of improving your personal life, where you alleviate stress by doing away with constant pretentiousness. You generally become a happier person. You can't fool a wise and intelligent person. They might play along, but will figure it out soon enough. Never met a perfect person- no sense trying to pretend you're one.
if inspire is still your intentions, i can say by miself that after watching your videos i decided to stop procrastinating and comeback to training the muay thai that i love so much... i stoped because of stupid reasons but in some way, your videos make me realise that all i want for my life is become a better version of myself and i finded a way trough the martial arts. So all i have to say to you is THANK YOU! ps. sorry if a did some mistakes on the writing, english is not my first leanguage
I've found that the best type of instructors are the authentic ones who are open about their own journey. These are the types of instructors who prioritize their students progression by continuing their own progression and cutting out/combatting their ego. I've always been the most trusting of instructors who exhibit these traits and it informed my own approach as an instructor both when I was assisting in teaching aikido, teaching social dance, and teaching/mentoring people at work.
Sounds like when you presented yourself as perfect, you mostly acquired students interested in being perfect themselves. Once you showed that you're human like anyone else, you got students interested in being human, which is far from perfect.
Many of people joining traditional Martial Arts are not interested in fighting aspects if it. They want fairy tale, super hero cartoon style of life. And they will live that pretend life with dedication. They don't want reality. Took me while to figure it out. Seen almost empty dojos with quality instruction and loaded TKD clubs where they spent more time selling T-shirts, photo shoots and taking exams for stripes every two weeks than doing anything useful. And, they were all completely happy with what they had. It is good business. You burst the bubble you lose business.
I remember watching this kids (early 20's) soul get crushed when he found out our Sifu had a drug problem in his youth. "OMG.... YOU used to do drugs 😱". Without any senior students there, the new kids would develope this weird mental image of our instructor. Its almost like they brought the cult with them. Too many movies 🎥 I think
It’s a shame that the students couldn’t appreciate the fact that your Sifu got clean and sober and learned from his mistakes. We’re all human and we all make mistakes. But the past doesn’t define us.
There was a space in my life where I too became involved in drugs. Getting sober and realizing my past mistakes actually gave me a lot of clarity in regards to my martial arts journey.
It's interesting hearing your story. I'm 57 now and started teaching martial arts and combatives in my mid 20's. My father and other family members were training since I was born, so I developed at an early age. To be honest, the students I've had in my 50's get a much better deal than those when I was in my 20's. Keep in mind that students grow, but so do teachers. Don't be too hard on yourself...😄
Great video! That’s really an interesting look at the psychology of groups and how leaders can influence them. Also, how the pursuit of perfection is not always healthy. Thanks for sharing!
Upon recognising you were vulnerable to burdensome delusion, you adjusted your stance /perspective, directed delusional paths trajectory and landed in a streamlined efficient position. Real aiki mastery, respect. Truth is individualistic and fluid, hope you find your next in MMA.
You discovered Humility which is one of the most essential virtues of most if not all martial arts practitioners... a virtue that unfortunately is now rarely practiced.
My aikido voyage started 20 years ago, as student I noticed this behavior too, and my solution was to move on. Having several teachers in aikido is refreshing and keeps you open for new things. Recently started with kickboxing and loving it. Looking back at my Firdt dojo, I miss it sometimes, but times move on, and so did i
Very interesting. I never came across a martial art instructor approaching students as without imperfections. Certainly came across school teachers like that.
6:00 After hearing this I immediately knew the end of the story :D P.S. Really appreciate your content. It takes a lot of courage and commitment to do what you do (and I mean your channel overall). When I encountered some bullshit in martial arts, I simple refused to practice them any longer and choose a different life path instead. I am not regretting it , but sometimes I do have an itch to try again.
This is one of the best videos you've made because it's something that should be talked about more. Students putting instructors on a pedestal is a major issue in martial arts. It leads to unwillingness to grow technique because it's not how so and so taught it. It causes cultish followings and teachers who use grooming behaviors to abuse their students. It leads to infighting. It leads to false belief in the infallibility of the teachings. It's important to do a few things to counter this as a teacher. You must downplay your ability to your students when they start propping you up on a pedestal. I like to tell self deprecating humor and I don't let my students call me Master Greg, and just Greg is fine. I spar with them a lot and when they catch me with stuff, I celebrate their victories. I don't point out when I catch them, but when they catch me I am very vocal about it.
The video started with theme "like father like son" as you unconsciously repeated what your Sensei did. But you realized it, you saw patterns, connected the dots and moved on. You actually accepted criticism, you listened unlike your Sensei. People always look for perfection, need their Gods, Idols, Gurus, that is why leaders don't show weaknesses, or actually their human side. You shocked your students, the magic bubble popped, can't really blame them if thats how they felt, but you have nothing to do with it. If they leave you when you show them your true self be happy, because now only People who follow you the way you are, are surrounding you :) You tried your best from the bottom of your heart and you still continue to grow as a person, a Martial Artist and a teacher. Open minded, humble, talking the truth, learning on mistakes, moving on. Love it. Love all videos I've seen so far. I'm binge watching now. Mad respect to you friend. As they say, the journey is the destination! :)
Your story is nearly identical to mine. I owned my first Taekwondo school at age 22. I taught like my Korean instructor with accent and all. I eventually realized that the fear of making mistakes was preventing my progression and enjoyment.
Wow! It's incredible how we sometimes share even the most specific of stories. But I do believe that the fear of an instructor is a fairly universal aspect that derives from how the Martial arts culture is structured
So why did you stop yourself with mimicking instead developing yourself more. Even Rokas seemed to need an Bjj Instructor to tell him about the transition from rigid to flowing in the form of principles instead of his instructors. If you compare it to life you learn in school writing, but you do not stay at just writing what you were mimicking but instead to begin flowing like writing letters of yourself. That is what all the headmasters have done like ueshiba or in your case general Choi, did you notice that nowadays choi kwan do is existing?
There is a nice documentary, please have a look "Grand Master Kwang Jo Choi Documentary"
Students trying to be the "teacher's pet" is a big problem in traditional martial arts
Yup!!
Yeah and the people who treat it too much like a hobby will hold the more serious people back.
@@Tr1s I don't see the issue with treating it like a hobby, same as any other sport, they should just be separate. It'd be ridiculous to blame chill people playing tennis only in the weekends holding back professionals tennis players.
Rokas "The Situation" Leonavicius
thats why "real fake" martial artist are out there - no one trys to show them the flaws at there thinking, they doensnt want to destroy the picture of the "perfect" Sensei
Its a testament of your great character that you didn't let the students control who you truly are. Many people fall into a trap where they have to keep up some kind of illusion of who they are because other people put them up on a pedestal.
Rokas "The Situation" Leonavicius
And that's how you end up with alleged masters who believe they can actually knockout opponents using non-contact energy attacks.
Great reflection man!
Seriously this is a great one.
Thanks Jerry! Thanks Matt!
Rokas "The Situation" Leonavicius
@@MartialArtsJourney
There is a real Taiwan Grandmaster of Monkey Kung Fu WITH INSANE RESUME like part of army, special forces and others often found in the descriptions of the older videos found in Vahva fitness channel on youtube. They are making a course of the monkey kung fu for like $2000, maybe u can try and see if its real if not expose them? Explaining Tai Chi and others in their videos
@@MartialArtsJourney at least you have atmitted your faults unlike most people my father figure tells me the hunger is in my head, just dont think about the pain why cant you fit in and I guess thats why Ive given up. Also if you believe in the 7 deadly sins there are 7 other things unknown to most of humanity
Your ability to admit your shortcomings is what truly makes you special. Thank you for sharing these stories! 😎
Trust me bro you’re a special person and you truly have inspired me. I’ve been following since before you started MMA and the amount of respect I gained for you seeing how you looked at Akido realistically even though it’s really hard when you’ve loved it your whole life just goes to show you’re a special person that truly wants to be better.
Thank you
@@MartialArtsJourney kiss me
This is profound. Will have to adapt this approach to my own physics high school students!
Awesome!
You will truly be a great physics teacher with this attitude, I am envious of your students.
After my first 1.5 hour straight 10 minutes round sparing night of bjj my coach handed me a beer. That's when I new this gym was going to work out great
Loves these stories because they are relatable
Been following your Martial Arts Journey for a couple years now and I must say, by being honest with yourself and all of us on UA-cam you have inspired and earned the respect of so many people outside of your dojo. We are all your students. Oss
The psychology behind decisions and behavior of both you and other martial artists you encounter in your path is fascinating. One of the interesting part for me is how usually more aggressive people lean towards MMA and from cocky they usually become humble after experiencing what violence can lead. While a lot of 'traditional' martial artists basically go the opposite route. Also how some people prefer to be guided by a fraud then to think for themselves.
Comes down to the culture it's hard to have a big ego when there's always the possibility of getting dropped...as my Muay Thai instructor said "everyone's a hero until they get punched in the face"
@@tomaslucena607 just don't get punched bra
So true! Started at a traditional kung fu school and ended up training Muay Thai at a modern gym and the difference is night and day. Felt like leaving a cult.
Man you inspire me to be a better person. Someone who looks at themselves critically is awesome. Thank you for being a real man and a real inspiration.
Thank you very much Blaine. Means a lot to me
My Sensei was most humble, wise man and made sure everyone felt relaxed and happy. When learning the techniques, he said it does not matter wether it takes five minutes or five years.
It was a great place to be and we were all very close.
There is also one thing you need to remember "you cannot teach or guide everyone to success. Only the teaching part is yours. The whole learning process still depends on the students". Great content brother 👍
thank you for sharing this story. it's something that everyone, not just martial artists, can all learn from.
Carol Dweck's research on the "Fixed" vs. "Growth" mindset (also, "Knower" vs. "Learner" mindset) seems to fit right in here. Thanks Rokas!
Carol's work is awesome!
I respect you alot for this story. I think this can apply to teaching in general and not just Martial Arts. Very well thought out vid !
Iv'e seen a LOT of your vids-- some I loved- some I hated-- but THIS is without Doubt the BEST ONE EVER..... PRICELESS!!!
My first taekwondo sensei was a local bouncer. He was overweight, a bit of a drunk and a foul-mouth. He was also honest, supportive and friendly father figure for most of us. Best sensei I ever had!
You mean sahboomnim right?
Hey rokas, great video. I think this is very insightful to talk about especially amongst the tma scene where everything in most dojos is very much rigid, and when it is taught that way and there isn't much place to admit any mistakes and you aren't entirely honest about things it creates a toxic environment.
Well done! You showed true courage! Thanks for sharing.
Dude! Great video! I appreciate how committed you are to show your journey. Your content is deep, thorough and very well made. Keep it up!
Thank you!
What a great message. Thank you for your insight!
Amazing video man. Thanks for taking us on this journey with you. I consider myself one of your youtube students.
Beautiful story. Thank you for sharing!
This is one of the best and most interesting videos I have seen on UA-cam, and boy I have seen me some UA-cam clips i my days.
This story would make a great movie, be it Hollywood or independent.
You have touched upon something that goes to the very bottom of the human experience. Thanks for your honesty and sharing.
Thanks for sharing your experience. It’s truly inspiring. You are authentic. 👍
One of the most honest stories I've ever heard in 36 years of martial arts. This happens a lot in Wing Chun and Capoeira, the arts that I practice. Capoeira can even be very cult-ish so alot of this rang close to home. Great video man!
Capoeira is a religious practice it comes from the coming of age rites of practice from the candomblé religion, which is an evolution of the Angolan-Congolese folk religion from which it evolved. Same thing with Aikido its original development had nothing to do with sport or fitness it comes from the ideologies of Omoto Kyo Shintoism. Just as Yoga it's people in the global western civilization who try to make these activities something they weren't meant to be that's calisthenics, sports, and self-defense. What they truly are can be categorized as ethnoreligous training regime to convey particular doctrines through a martial art praxis just as a war dance, sword dance, stage combat, peking opera, shaolin kung fu, sumo, kyudo, iaido, taijichuan, baguazhuang, xingyiquan. Their reason of being is to convey ideology through movement. In the west sports such as fencing, wrestling, track and field confer the ideas of beauty, honor, fame, fairness, competitiveness, acknowledging others accomplishments, keeping records to improve upon, etc. The engarde salute in fencing is literally the sign of the cross without the religious meaning of being a dieu gard (due guard) while keeping the symbol meaning.
@@kevionrogers2605 a detailed answer and insight, but only half accurate when it comes to capoeira’s intent for self defense. Capoeira in its earliest and ritualistic form, know as capoeira Angola, was indeed ceremonial and completely looked different from what it looks like today (I.e. the newer styles of Regional and Miudinho styles which involve high kicks take downs and acrobatics), so up to that point you’re correct. But centuries ago when slaves from Angola were brought to Brazil, they continued their practice and began hiding their self defense techniques to keep their preparation for defense disguised. Though this is partly folkloric tale, it is difficult to get more detailed accounts of this evolution since capoeira history was mostly passed down orally and not more documented until 20th century when mestres like Pastinha and Bimba came into the scene and the more modern age of capoeira started.
But, do not be fooled, if you got to a capoeira mcdojo it’s practicality will not be good, but there are MANY capoeiristas who will throw down and fight in and out of the roda and use roundhouses, take downs, submissions and even punches. Capoeira has some real fighting monsters, but not everyone likes the fighting aspect. Personally, after many injuries, I enjoy the dance and acrobatic elements myself but have trained and met many who are now MMA fighters whose roots are all from capoeira.
Examples and videos can be shared readily :)
@@kevionrogers2605 an example of a stronger more fight-oriented game. There are times to show off acrobatics, be more ritualistic and cooperative, and then there are times to test your fighting. All of this is dictated depending on the rhythms played by the musicians or the circle (roda). Here’s a sample of some sao bento games which are more aggressive.
ua-cam.com/video/FArJtZyylf0/v-deo.html
@@kurosakilito I'm from New Orleans I grew up with practices that evolved from Engolo and Calinda from my grandfather, father, and uncles, so I had a much less developed divergent form of capoeira. I had a neighbor in New Orleans who is Afro-Brazilian and we practiced. In Birmingham, Alabama where I currently live the owner of Gracie Barra Pelham BJJ academy wife use to do Capoeira back in Brazil, and I did a few sessions with her; I went there to teach Judo class before the pandemic. Also Engolo is still practiced in Angola and Zambia.
A very interesting exchange. The knowledge and experience of some people astounds me. Cheers.
This is the best advice I have heard in a long time dude. Thanks a lot.
Thank you
I know that feeling of a weird atmosphere at a Dojo. It's the same reason why I started personally distancing myself from the others and trying to keep a more or less "professional" relationship. I feel that in rank based martial arts such as Japanese ones this kind of mentality develops quickly
Huge story, thank you for sharing!!
Great!! Thank you for the inspiring vídeo. It is a good path!
Great analysis, and thank you for sharing your experience
Great topic and discussion to be had with self and with your students.
Super insightful! Thanks for sharing
The clarity and the openness of that video just blew me away! To open your heart, that way is in my opinion, is the greatest aikido I've ever seen! (I'm not an aikido stylist... but have much respect). Bottom line, you attract the people you attract. When you're real, it attract real people.. And I'm not qualified to say it... But I think you have done something that is best described as badass.
Great reflection and evolution in thinking. I too began teaching early and made so many mistakes.
Bloody brilliant! This was a fantastic video
Very Inspiring ! Thanks for sharing with such honesty your journey as a practioner and teacher.
🙏
You are a great Sensei, thank you. I can watch your vids all day
You and I are all most the same, only I'm still scared to come out and do my thing out of fear of the trolls and stalkers. I think it's awesome how you got your dojo back. I think your great. Keep. Doing what your doing my friend. 👍🙏
Kudos for being so reflective. Nobody is perfect and everyone makes mistakes. True strength is to admit your mistakes and try to improve - hiding your mistakes and flaws is weakness. I wouldn't trust anyone, sensei or not, if they gave an impression of flawlessness. I'd always pick a mentor who isn't afraid to admit flaws. That mentor is willing to learn and will try to improve. That is the kind of person I want to look up to.
Many aren't searching for that, many seek perfection to guide them. And I don't want to blame them. But in the end you're living in a lie. Learning never ends, for anyone. I'd want a mentor who is willing to learn.
Man, you have such an amazing spirit, thank you.
🙏
we teach historical swordfighting. I always look up here to learn something.
That's very cool. And HEMA is awesome! I'm looking forward to make a video on HEMA in the future :)
@@MartialArtsJourney Yes! Please do!
yeah thanks for your teaching
@@MartialArtsJourney just let me know if you need some intel or contacts or you want to work together :)
@@JohnyB1989 thx ridi. always appreciated. our club is focusing on teaching, recreating and "playing" with the sword. there is no hirarchy or such. i love this atmosphere too and as a teacher it is "easy" to teach because there is no pressure. but the other side of the coin is that our club is not focused on tournaments or fame. so in the end the students should decided what they up to. having fun and having a great time learning HEMA or drills and tournaments. both intensions are noble in my eyes but complete different ways to teach.
wow, that story was incredibly moving.
And this video is great source of inspiration, thanks
Thank you for this great message
An you have inspired me, thanks for sharing, you are doing so much good, congratulations.
Thank you 🙏
Thank You for inspiration. Now I know more of being myself. I have many proofs in my life that its the best (do)
It’s so easy to get caught up in trying to be a great martial artist that you can forget it’s also about becoming a better person too. Thanks for sharing your journey and reminding us not to forget about becoming better and more balanced marital artists and human beings.
Ps. I’m also a huge fellow comic book fan :)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts here. Very interesting and valuable.
As Bruce Lee said: "The perfect fighter is an ordinary man with a lazer like focus"
Your a brave man and unfortunately sacrifices have to be made...there’s not many people who would do what you have done but it’s so important what you are doing, we should always look for the truth in history..
Sometimes the truth is hard to hear.
To reveal your weakness is a test of character to yourself and to others.
To find out what is inside.
Training for the mind, spirit and heart.
Respect to you.
Amazing lesson!!
Thank you
Really inspirational and a great message for everyone. I approve this message hehe
What a special path you've walked. Inspiring sir.
And now you're really inspiring others!
Brilliant video! Your wisdom is commendable.👍
You're a smart dude! I had a major eye roll when you said students called you a " fake teacher" 😒. Cheers! 🍻
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing this.
Great insight and transparency
Good video here. I defiinetly relate to thinking my coach is "perfect"
I think your experience shows that many people approach martial arts as a religion, in that it is a way to define themselves as 'better than others', simply for being a 'member', in a way that has nothing to do with measurable skills, actions, or outcomes. In your initial approach as a teacher, you inadvertently formed a 'church'... when you showed humanity, you 'fell from grace' in the eyes of those who wanted an idol they could affiliate themselves with... and later, with deliberate openness, you formed a community.
Thanks for sharing this slice of your experience running a school.
On an note unrelated to martial-arts, all the back-end work you put into your videos--writing, editing, recording, cutting together illustrative clips--your content is really high-quality and impactful.
Great video! Gives me a lot of food for thought.
Awesome! Glad to hear it
8:51 You don't need to be special, you just needed to be you; by not trying to be, you are. This one is already inspired. Mad respect, bro!
🙏🙏👊
@@MartialArtsJourneyThere is a real Taiwan Grandmaster of Monkey Kung Fu WITH INSANE RESUME like part of army, special forces and others often found in the descriptions of the older videos found in Vahva fitness channel on youtube. They are making a course of the monkey kung fu for like $2000, maybe u can try and see if its real if not expose them? He has very interesting topics and videos
Great video. It goes beyond martial arts and encompasses the general aspect
of improving your personal life, where you alleviate stress by doing away with constant pretentiousness. You generally become a happier person. You can't fool a wise and intelligent person. They might play along, but will figure it out soon enough. Never met
a perfect person- no sense trying to pretend you're one.
Seems you learned the right lesson. Good on you!
You are inspiring, keep it up!
Keep on your journey mate!!!
if inspire is still your intentions, i can say by miself that after watching your videos i decided to stop procrastinating and comeback to training the muay thai that i love so much...
i stoped because of stupid reasons but in some way, your videos make me realise that all i want for my life is become a better version of myself and i finded a way trough the martial arts.
So all i have to say to you is THANK YOU!
ps. sorry if a did some mistakes on the writing, english is not my first leanguage
Wow thank you! That's really awesome!
I've found that the best type of instructors are the authentic ones who are open about their own journey. These are the types of instructors who prioritize their students progression by continuing their own progression and cutting out/combatting their ego.
I've always been the most trusting of instructors who exhibit these traits and it informed my own approach as an instructor both when I was assisting in teaching aikido, teaching social dance, and teaching/mentoring people at work.
I am always inspired by your videos!
😊🙏
Your best video yet! You're doing a great job.
Thank you 🙏
Such a great story!
Sounds like when you presented yourself as perfect, you mostly acquired students interested in being perfect themselves. Once you showed that you're human like anyone else, you got students interested in being human, which is far from perfect.
Good point
But more genuine and a lot cooler.
Many of people joining traditional Martial Arts are not interested in fighting aspects if it. They want fairy tale, super hero cartoon style of life. And they will live that pretend life with dedication. They don't want reality. Took me while to figure it out. Seen almost empty dojos with quality instruction and loaded TKD clubs where they spent more time selling T-shirts, photo shoots and taking exams for stripes every two weeks than doing anything useful. And, they were all completely happy with what they had. It is good business. You burst the bubble you lose business.
Excellent video among other great videos you’ve made!
Thank you!
I remember watching this kids (early 20's) soul get crushed when he found out our Sifu had a drug problem in his youth. "OMG.... YOU used to do drugs 😱". Without any senior students there, the new kids would develope this weird mental image of our instructor. Its almost like they brought the cult with them. Too many movies 🎥 I think
It’s a shame that the students couldn’t appreciate the fact that your Sifu got clean and sober and learned from his mistakes. We’re all human and we all make mistakes. But the past doesn’t define us.
There was a space in my life where I too became involved in drugs. Getting sober and realizing my past mistakes actually gave me a lot of clarity in regards to my martial arts journey.
It's interesting hearing your story. I'm 57 now and started teaching martial arts and combatives in my mid 20's. My father and other family members were training since I was born, so I developed at an early age. To be honest, the students I've had in my 50's get a much better deal than those when I was in my 20's. Keep in mind that students grow, but so do teachers. Don't be too hard on yourself...😄
Thank you for sharing
thx for the story. destroy ego and just be.
You're more brave than I though, good for you to choose your own values over the idealisation of who you are.
Great video! That’s really an interesting look at the psychology of groups and how leaders can influence them. Also, how the pursuit of perfection is not always healthy. Thanks for sharing!
🙏
Upon recognising you were vulnerable to burdensome delusion, you adjusted your stance /perspective, directed delusional paths trajectory and landed in a streamlined efficient position. Real aiki mastery, respect. Truth is individualistic and fluid, hope you find your next in MMA.
Great videos!
Wow
I'm on my marital arts journey and its good to hear this stories
🙏
You discovered Humility which is one of the most essential virtues of most if not all martial arts practitioners... a virtue that unfortunately is now rarely practiced.
My aikido voyage started 20 years ago, as student I noticed this behavior too, and my solution was to move on. Having several teachers in aikido is refreshing and keeps you open for new things. Recently started with kickboxing and loving it. Looking back at my Firdt dojo, I miss it sometimes, but times move on, and so did i
Very interesting. I never came across a martial art instructor approaching students as without imperfections. Certainly came across school teachers like that.
6:00 After hearing this I immediately knew the end of the story :D
P.S. Really appreciate your content. It takes a lot of courage and commitment to do what you do (and I mean your channel overall). When I encountered some bullshit in martial arts, I simple refused to practice them any longer and choose a different life path instead. I am not regretting it , but sometimes I do have an itch to try again.
You have seen what my Former Sifu was actually trying to enforce. Good job man!
Love his honesty
Fascinating!
I really like that. It was inspiring.
This is one of the best videos you've made because it's something that should be talked about more. Students putting instructors on a pedestal is a major issue in martial arts. It leads to unwillingness to grow technique because it's not how so and so taught it. It causes cultish followings and teachers who use grooming behaviors to abuse their students. It leads to infighting. It leads to false belief in the infallibility of the teachings.
It's important to do a few things to counter this as a teacher. You must downplay your ability to your students when they start propping you up on a pedestal. I like to tell self deprecating humor and I don't let my students call me Master Greg, and just Greg is fine. I spar with them a lot and when they catch me with stuff, I celebrate their victories. I don't point out when I catch them, but when they catch me I am very vocal about it.
It is sad to see that students can do that!
But It is good to find out who are true friends and who are fake!
Great video... I had seen it already some time before, though
Wow, I ilke your vids, sharing what you learn in life as a general not just in martial arts. Nice.
The video started with theme "like father like son" as you unconsciously repeated what your Sensei did. But you realized it, you saw patterns, connected the dots and moved on. You actually accepted criticism, you listened unlike your Sensei. People always look for perfection, need their Gods, Idols, Gurus, that is why leaders don't show weaknesses, or actually their human side. You shocked your students, the magic bubble popped, can't really blame them if thats how they felt, but you have nothing to do with it. If they leave you when you show them your true self be happy, because now only People who follow you the way you are, are surrounding you :)
You tried your best from the bottom of your heart and you still continue to grow as a person, a Martial Artist and a teacher. Open minded, humble, talking the truth, learning on mistakes, moving on. Love it. Love all videos I've seen so far. I'm binge watching now. Mad respect to you friend. As they say, the journey is the destination! :)
Enjoy the journey