For me, the reward in teaching has always been in conveying an empowering message. In some cases, a message is so powerfully received that it proves to be entirely transformational. I will add that this journey has been transformational for me as well. Teaching hundreds of students in a dojo was the doorway that led me to speak to broader audiences where such messages can land for even more people. It can be no surprise that I regularly talk about the esoteric principles found in martial arts, even though my audiences aren’t comprised of martial artists at all. I’ve found that, while many people do not have any interest in practicing self-defense or learning to fight, they very much want to learn about the mental and spiritual benefits – the life skills – that come from the dojo.
All of this has steered me on my journey toward a life purpose of teaching and inspiring others. This path has taken me from being a Sensei for several students inside a dojo to a Life Coach to hundreds to a messenger from the stage for thousands.