Leadership Lessons of the Martial Arts

By Adam James

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The martial arts teach many lessons of life and skills for success, and one of the most important is the lesson of leadership. There are several ways that a martial arts school owner can incorporate leadership skills curriculum into their program and all martial artists should strive to develop their abilities to lead and inspire others.

Here are excellent examples for a martial arts school and every martial artist to infuse their training with Leadership skills development:

Dojo Kuns and Teaching the Principles of the Way: Gichin Funakoshi and many martial arts teachers have used lists of principles and philosophical statements to engender and make strong certain thoughts, beliefs and attitudes. Students are taught to memorize, recite and most importantly to live by these principles. A martial arts school can adopt original, classical Dojo Kuns from their original style, but the most powerful ones are created by the individual school or practitioner.

Ladder of achievement: the process of advancement in martial arts and testing for belt ranks is extremely valuable for teaching discipline and determination. Furthermore, when the student takes time to plan, train and strategize the steps necessary to achieve success, the process itself teaches people to plan ahead and then take key steps at critical moments and under certain circumstances to achieve victory. As a result, martial arts provides the framework to develop leadership talent, and the personality of discipline and strategizing.

Officer and a Gentleman: in many ways, martial arts teachers are similar to military officers and most hold themselves with a high level of proper conduct, good manners, dignity, humility and honesty towards others. Young martial artists gain important mentoring and see the example of what a true leader looks like, and how they speak to others and conduct themselves at all times.

Senpai and Kohai relationship: In Japanese martial arts culture, many are taught the Senpai and Kohai relationship, which is built upon lessons of Confucius. Senpai is the senior and has a responsibility to instruct and care for their junior. The Kohai also has an important responsibility to listen and follow the instructions of the Senpai. Both have critical roles for each other and the interdependent relationship teaches the importance of respect and cooperation for the benefit of all.

For a martial arts instructor, the curriculum of leadership skills will dramatically enhance the overall learning experience. By emphasizing Dojo Kuns and the principles of good character, along with the achievement stepping stone process and rewarding proper conduct and good manners, the school will develop martial artists with physical skills, but more importantly, the students will also discover leadership skills and character development. In addition, the Sempai - Kohai relationship naturally teaches these skills and students can be assigned to another and asked to help each other grow. 

Undoubtedly, the martial arts are exceptional for developing character in the practitioner and an overall successful personality. Furthermore, as the teacher embraces the best in themselves, this will naturally develop the same in their students and create the leaders of tomorrow.

Leaders of the future

~  Adam James