My Vision for Combat Jujitsu
When I was 15 I taught my first martial arts class; I knew then that this is what I was born to do. I noticed then that teaching brought the best out in me; it made me a better martial artist and increased my drive to perfection.
“To teach is to learn twice”
I remember being 9 years old going to a karate lesson and feeling completely isolated from the other students; they didn’t mix outside the colour of the belt they wore. The black belts didn’t talk to anyone least of all me, a new boy. The Sensei frightened the life out of me, but I was taught to be polite and went up to say “hi”……….I was told by him not to approach him unless he chose to speak to me. Even then I said to myself………one day I’ll be a Sensei and when I am it won’t be like this; everyone will mingle and I won’t intimidate students.
Today our club is a very friendly, inviting club. Any new person is welcomed by the students and myself and treated as friends from the moment they step on to the mat. My senior grade students make a point of introducing themselves and putting the new student at ease.
We all learn more effectively when we are more relaxed in a fun environment. Hard work and discipline doesn’t seem fearful this way and we grow as students and as people.
My vision was and will always be the same: to pass on what I first felt when I started Jujitsu. The simplicity, the effectiveness and the passion. To see that seed grow and help to nourish it with high quality training and dedication.
As a teacher to see someone reach higher and dig deeper than they ever have or ever needed to is what inspires me. It is my vision and my aim for each of my students.
Sensei Mark Roberts