Have you ever experienced “Teacher Burnout”? Do you feel like you’re on autopilot and just going through the motions?

First of all, you’re not alone. This happens to lots of instructors.

Secondly, kudos to you for continuing to show up, in spite of feeling burnt out. You are leading by example....

Have you ever caught yourself trying to predict if an intro student will join the dojo? Or how long they’ll continue training? Or make other kinds of predictions?

When I first started teaching, I found myself doing this often. But I don’t do this anymore. It doesn’t even occur to me to try to pr...

Have you ever had a student who seemed to need clear instructions for every technique, so they never developed to the point of being able to make unique adjustments on their own to each unique moment or situation?

There are so many people who prefer or even seem to NEED to learn by verbal instru...

Have you ever told yourself that as a teacher, you shouldn’t have favorites? You shouldn’t favor one student over the other.

I’ve been teaching for about 40 years and I now believe that while we shouldn’t let ourselves give up on any student, it’s natural and we should therefore allow ourselves ...

Have you ever been frustrated (or maybe even insulted) with how your students treat you? Do you think they’re not very respectful?

First of all, you’re not alone. A lot of instructors feel this way.

Secondly, you’re not going to like what I have to say on this topic. I’ll use the words of one o...

So many dojo-cho are talking about how to attract more young people to their dojo - people in their 20’s and 30’s. Some people say we have to show the martial effectiveness of Aikido. Others say we have to cross train and use elements of other martial arts in our classes.

Well, right now the ave...

Have you ever overwhelmed a new student by giving them 5 or 6 corrections all at once?

Of course, if you’re an experienced Aikido-ka, you can instantly see 10 or 15 things that a new person needs to correct at their first class. But over time and with experience, we learn to give students one su...

Have you ever had a teacher who always told you what NOT to do and what you were doing WRONG, but never seemed to acknowledge the things you were doing right?

And have you ever had a teacher who actually did acknowledge the things you were doing right?

I would be willing to bet that you learned...

Have you ever had a really tough day, you’re totally fried, frankly, you don’t feel like going to the dojo (and you’re the instructor), but you go to the dojo, you jump over hurdles, and no one shows up.

First of all, please know that you’re not alone. This happens to lots of instructors.

Secon...