Instructing martial arts has taught me many things and a few that I feel every instructor should apply. One, never stop learning or get to comfortable in your ways. Two, evaluate and update your style, system or way continuously. Seems like common sense. However most instructors stop putting themselves out there and are content to just learn a new form or kata in their style and get a nifty new rank. This practice misleads the public into thinking a high rank automatically qualifies them to teach self defense, a very dangerous and irresponsible thing to do. Instructors need to take the time and responsibility to test their style for real effectiveness. They should learn from other instructors who have either been there and used it or are continuously working with people that have to use their skills for survival. This way they can get input on what is working well and what is not, and as to why something maybe failing. There is nothing wrong with learning a traditional art it can build invaluable attributes and benefit you enormously. The best of the best all have a traditional background, it just will not fully equip you to defend yourself no matter how much in denial it may put you or that traditional style instructor. Even MMA as awesome as it is, is not the best for self defense, throw a knife in the octagon and see what happens. (trading blows, locks and holds is just not good self defense). I travel to learn from some of the most highly skilled and respected martial artist out there. Moni Aizik is one of them and he is the real deal. CKM is an incredibly effective system that will leave you scratching your head in deep thought and wanting more.

“Seek peace while preparing for war as violence is rarely the answer but when it is, it is the only answer.”