Traditions, etiquette and stance of budo and of alI other Japanese martial arts go back to many ages ago. One of the most important aspect of this heritage is a teacher with all his duties.

The duties of a karate instructor are compared to the work of the compass, which means that he shows his students the right direction;wins his students’ respect and trust, setting an example of faultless attitude and impeccable character. Through a constant effort and work on increasing his technical level, he is always a step ahead of his students’ development, in this way, again, showing him the way.

Thanks to careful analysis of physical, mental and psychological shape of a student, a teacher is able to direct properly his development. The symbol of the compass, seen in this way, means the devotion of an instructor, coach and teacher to the highest standards of traditional karate.

KEY ROLE OF INSTRUCTOR

Fragments of the Foreword to the “Coach’s Manual” by Hidetaka Nishiyama

„The role of the coach is critical to development and progres s in any sport including Traditional Karate. It is through the coach that quality standards in the sport are set. Expertise in executing techniques must be balanced with an ability to communicate with students on all aspects of the martial art. A good naturaI athlete may excel, but low quality instruction will hol d him back from achieving his full potentia!. The quality achieved in the sport is directlyproportional to the quality of coaching instruction.

Traditional Karate has a goal of „unlimited seeking” or striving for improvement. The sensitivity and judgment required of the coach in this sport therefore is of particular significance. The responsibility of the coach includes directing progress at alllevels – technical, physical and spiritual.

Incorrect teaching methods, errors in understanding, and disreputable or unqualified Traditional Karate instructors can cause great harm to an individual’s progress at alllevels – technical, physical and spiritual.”

Hidetaka Nishiyama