Professionalised Teaching

One aspect of martial arts that has fascinated me for a long time is its link to
education, in a sense, martial arts, when studied are a lifelong educational pursuit. I suppose this depends on your reason for doing it, many who claim it is just about fighting have what could be considered a very traditionalist and narrow view of the capabilities of learning martial arts. Martial arts are a complex and divided set of disciplines that are undertaken for a variety of reasons. Plus, and what I am interested in here, is they are disparate in the way that they establish how an individual becomes and instructor, coach, teacher or mentor of them. In the wider global field of martial arts, Japan, China and Thailand there are more formal approaches and the question is being asked in parts of Europe is whether there needs to be further standardisation and a more professional approach to becoming an instructor. The Institute of martial arts and sciences has recently assessed further its goal of providing continuing professional development for their members. For quite a few years I ran a degree based at the University of derby, both in the UK and in Germany, I would argue the German martial arts community had a more professionalized approach to understanding it. There is a martial Arts Studies forum based out of Cardiff University too but this is not about developing martial arts practitioners more about the research, which is of course beneficial.

In regards developing a professionalised ‘industry’ there are a significant number
reasons why it might fit into a more organized approach. Martial arts are varied in
their styles and concepts, they are also, taught, this does bring it into the realms of an educational activity, they are broad in their outlook and represent an area of
sport or physical activity that has an element of risk to them. There has been an
extensive discussion on why they may be educational. If it does fit with the
educational notion especially, then it could be proposed that it should follow a
professionalisation process to be in line with other disciplines such as teaching.

Martial arts as mentioned also offer an opportunity for research. Recently I along
with a colleague have undertaken research in the school system for children on
Special Educational Needs Development plans. Use the link here to have a read if
you wish. For me the understanding of what martial arts do for those I instruct is an important thing to understand and better professionalised teaching produces sound outcomes for all those I and my instructors teach.

Martial Arts Interventions for Inclusion and Wellness