10/09/2026
Shared from Mark Watson but couldn’t agree more:-
Being an instructor doesn't mean I have to be on my feet coaching every second of every class.
There is a difference between teaching and demonstrating. Teaching is about passing on knowledge, understanding, timing, application and experience. Demonstrating is simply one of the tools we use to help someone understand what is being taught.
Sometimes I teach. Sometimes I walk the floor and observe. Sometimes I sit back and watch. I can correct a student, explain a movement, adjust their technique or have another instructor demonstrate something without having to physically perform everything myself.
As I get older, the physical aspect of teaching changes. I am still present, still involved and still responsible for what happens on the mat, but I have to recognise that my body isn't the same as it was years ago.
I can still deliver and demonstrate power, speed and technique. That hasn't disappeared. But I'm smart enough to know when and where to use it.
Certain techniques, particularly those requiring explosive movement, high kicks or repeated impact, need to be considered. The same applies to sparring. Yes, I can still keep up with younger students when I choose to, but I have nothing to prove. Maybe they do.
There was a time when a simple spinning hook kick to the head was something I could demonstrate without a second thought. As my body ages, my head kicks may become more focused on attacking the body and knees.
That's not because I don't want to do it. It's because I don't need to.
Your body has limits, and with age you learn to respect them. It can achieve what is necessary without constantly demanding that it prove what is possible.
That's really what teaching is about. Think about a child learning to walk. You don't pick them up and carry them everywhere. You encourage them, support them, guide them and stay close enough to catch them when they stumble. But eventually, you have to let go.
You can't walk for them.
You give them the tools, confidence and guidance to take those first steps, and then they have to find their own balance and learn to walk themselves.
Martial arts is no different.
My job isn't to constantly do everything for you. My job is to teach you, guide you, correct you when necessary and give you the confidence to eventually do it for yourself.
Saturate with knowledge.
So never assume that if you see me sitting down and observing, I'm being lazy or disengaged. My body may be taking a moment, but my head is still very much in the game.
Sometimes the best teaching I can give is simply to step back, watch and let you take those steps.
Age doesn't diminish experience. It teaches you where to spend your energy.
"A hammer shapes the metal, but the fire keeps it strong."
