What about this instructor?

Question

He has his own style. Dosen't care about belts, but has them if you want them. I've seen him train and he's really kinda bad ***. He knows his stuff. I've seen some of his fights (mma) he dosen't always win but he says he competes for fun and dosen't care about winning just about the competition. He will tell you that he's not that good but from what I've seen he isn't anyone I'd want to fight. Everyone else says that he says that to everyone and he is good. Cost is what every you can afford. It sounds kinda odd? He's seems to be very good but says he isn't. He teaches for little or nothing and he always seem to have fun with it. He trains with about 15 or so other guys and they seem to teach each other. Someone tends to take class, he does, but other times the just switch out or throw in stuff. What's this sound like to you? Training with this guy and the group?

Answer 1

Sounds like he is honest, sincere, grounded in reality, humble, experienced, trustworthy, and a leader that others want to follow.

Train with him if you can.

Answer 2

There are some instructors and classes out there like this that are not bad for you and then there are some that are horrible. The horrible ones give them all a bad reputation.
I would look at it from some other standpoints before joining a group like this. Are there rules for contact and are they enforced? Is there insurance or are you just on your own if your training partner happened to torque just a little to fast and a little to far on that ankle lock he put on you? What is the level and quality of the instruction?
While groups like this are not all bad per say they usually carry with them an element of risk and usually are not around for very long and the instructors approach to it is a hobby approach. If you want a stable place with some kind of established guidelines that is looking for you business then go to an established school where the training is more organized and usually safer and on a par with this guy at least or maybe even better.

Answer 3

Are you asking how we rate the instructor or whether you should train with him?

Either way, it all depends on what you want out of martial arts. If you want tradition, ritual, progression through rank, and ties to the East, this does not sound like the school or instructor for you. If you want to learn to defend yourself in an effective way without any particular ties to tradition, then go for it.

This instructor may have his own style (many do), and he may not always win his fights. But from what you say, he enjoys what he does, he has fun with it, and that is what is truly important -- that he loves what he does and is not burnt out or just doing it for the money. If his students take turn leading, and they know what they are doing, then he obviously teaches well, too.

Answer 4

I have been a Sensei for years and honestly if he is that honest and still dedicated with a group to self teach each other, I see nothing wrong with it.

You do not have to become part of a Full fledge Dojo to train if you just want to learn to defend yourself. I cant think of a single Self Defense course given that uses rank. Just traditional MA.

So yes if you feel he has what is good for you and you have a good group to work with go for it. One of my best friends is a self taught MA and he is pretty darn good too for self taught and more than handle himself.

As long as you know what you are getting into as you do you will not be as likelty to be hurt by the techniques taught, that is the only thing a person needs worry about that the techniques used will work rather than fail.

Go for it and good luck.

Answer 5

It sounds like it's worth a shot, but keep in mind that a class lead by a non-instructor level sensei is usually not going to be as good as one lead by a master. There is a reason most schools don't let non-black belts teach. While others may have good ideas they may not have had time to perfect them or teach them. You don't want to be a guinea pig for a new teacher. He sounds "down to earth" which is nice to see and it wouldn't hurt to give his school a try.

Answer 6

well, I cant really answer that question for you.

But if i was in your shoes, I would go to a few classes becoz i am that way inclined, just becoz they dont have a "black belt" doesnt mean you cannot "learn a lesson"....to me, sounds like hes passionate about what he does and maybee he genuinely likes to teach and learn.

my muay thai instructor is not a champion, but he teaches muay thai well, there will always be people thats better than other people, but it doesnt mean one person is better over another. depends on your preferences and what you want to learn.

I would take the class just to keep me open minded and knowledgable about stuff....but I would think about doing something else If I find that Im getting beaten up too much and taking too much injury...that too is a learning experience, up to you really.

Answer 7

sounds like every average martial artist. If you've never done anything, he probalby has something of value to offer you. If you're searching for something a little deeper, then you may want to keep looking.

If he truly loves what he does, and he's passionate about it, I'd have to say that in and of itself, he at least has a good heart on the issue. it's always a good place to start.

Answer 8

Sounds more like a collective training group then any real style. Could be good.

Answer 9

Agreed. He sounds like a modest, down-to-earth, even compassionate (re: pay what you can) kind of guy.
Plus, he has real fighting experience (w/ MMA). I'd bet he has some valuable lessons from those fights.

Answer 10

I'd train with him, sounds like a true martial artist. Knowledgeable and humble.