What Makes A Good Guro?

[Donna Barnas]

I have had several Guro's who I have trained with so far and my most recent instuctor is my favorite.
Here is my list of what I think makes a good teacher/Guro.

1) One who knows and understands the system they teach.

2) Who keeps a class moving forward and progressing.

3) Who doesnt take advantate of your pocket book but keeps the cost of the classes reasonable.

Just some of my thoughts, what are yours?

 

[thekuntawman]

i have some more
1. he has experience he can pass on, and if he does not, he will tell the student
2. he will walk with the student while he gets experience for himself (the student) and coach him
3. he will be a good leader and role model, so the student will know what kind of teacher he sould be like
4. he has the confidence and the strength to back himself up (not so much a reputation) so that the student will have confidence in himself too and be a good representative of what his teacher made.

 

[Dave Fulton]

A good Guro is someone who:

1.) Understands the system they're teaching and knows how to apply it in real time.

2.) Knows how to teach. This is not the same as knowing the system and knowing how to fight.

3.) Doesn't hold back when they teach. In other words, they are willing to teach everything they know at whatever pace the student is capable of. If they don't know something, they admit it rather than make something up. This assumes that the student is honorable and will not abuse their knowledge.

4.) Fosters a strong sense of "brotherhood" amongst the students, compassion for all people, honor, etc. You should be able to think of your teacher and fellow students as very good friends, if not family.

This is the standard by which I have always evaluated my teachers. I have had the good fortunate to have had 4 such teachers over the years, including my current teacher.

Respectfully,

Dave Fulton





------------------
Full Contact Martial Arts Association.

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

 

[Smoke]

Open minded to other arts and weapons.

Open to all ranges.

Emphasizes concepts.

I like Tony Blauer's Coach idea personally. I can respect fighting ability, I do not respect arrogance.

 

[Joel Stave]

Remembers what its like to be clueless and can teach at an individual's level and speed.

I suppose this goes for any teacher of any subject, but particularly in the martial arts, I've come across some instructors who just can't seem to teach someone who has no talent or no skill (or neither). They always wind up going too fast, or skipping too many intermediate steps necessary to learn the final technique or concept.