There seems to be no shortage of martial art masters. Does one become a master by exceptional physical skills? Many people believe that external skills such as punching, kicking, etc. determine if a person is a master. Yet, it is the inner battles that determine whether one deserves to be called a master. A master is one who has mastered himself or herself. They have won the battle within; faced their fears, shortcomings, habits and character flaws. It is the triumph over one's inner self that earns one the title of master. In other words, it is a life long journey down a path without end.

In the martial art society, words like respect, loyalty, family and discipline are often thrown at students. Unfortunately, some instructors feel that because they own a school or run a class that respect, loyalty and discipline are an entitlement. Those qualities should never be forced or demanded. It quickly becomes dogma when students either tow the line or becomes outcasts. Then you have a dysfunctional martial art family. When teachers exhibit those qualities themselves, and through leadership and inspiration, it will come natural for students to want to do those things.

Is the instructor receptive to questions? Do they give well thought-out answers? Do they attempt to point the student in the right direction for the purpose of discovery, or are they treated like an annoyance? Does the teacher appear to be withholding special knowledge that only some are entitled to? In short, does the instructor teach all students openly? If you are in class and the teacher shows you something new, but tells the students it is not to be shared with any other student who is not in class. Ask yourself, what is their motivation? Is it simply a desire to shield the other students from something they are not ready for, or is it being done vindictively?

A good teacher has a positive and encouraging tone. They may be demanding, but they should never be demeaning.

A good teacher fosters an atmosphere that will make students want to help each other. Relationships in a martial art school are usually hierarchical, but that should not prevent a common bond among students. Any inner-circle that exists should be by virtue of legitimate advancement available to all students and not by some special relationship between students and the teacher.

It may take time to find a teacher who is right for you. Until you do, feel free to go elsewhere. Pay attention to your inner feelings and gut instinct. Do not stay with a school because it is affordable, close to your home or the instructor claims to have some special knowledge, skills, or even an affiliation with a well-known martial artist whose teachings are only available through that person.