A good self defence class can teach you to size up a situation and then react accordingly. A good teacher can not only help you learn different techniques and art forms, but instil confidence in you by moulding your mind. As the rate of crime and threats increase, the demand for qualified, well trained and inspiring martial arts teachers also rises.
From training corporates, servicemen, air hostesses and nuns to the visually challenged, Shihan Hussaini and Anitha Mary Hussaini take pride in teaching Isshinryu Karate — a combination of the best of martial arts and weapons techniques and epitomises the powerful, lightning-fast movements — and kickboxing.
Lucrative option
“A full-time teacher can easily earn `1-5 lakh a month,” says Shihan. His youngest student is three years old and his oldest, 87 years old. As a part-time teacher, you can earn about `30,000 a month by taking three classes a week.
There are lots of takers for kick boxing these days. He has taught some very interesting groups of people. Students of different colleges opt for karate, security agencies that aim at more credibility in their services by training their employees, are just a few of the fascinating groups. He also conducts one-day capsules for interested candidates. Isshinryu’s main goal is to perfect through physical and mental development. As students learn, they acquire self-confidence, serenity and humility.
Challenges
This job too is not without its challenges. The holiday season means nil classes. But you could overcome the hurdle with some innovative ideas — a good teacher
always reinvents his way of teaching and approach. Shihan innovates with summer courses, new programmes, learns and teaches weaponry. He updates constantly, packages himself properly and thinks marketing is most important in a profession like his.
As president of the All India Isshinryu Karate Association, eighth degree black belt in karate, fifth degree black belt in taekwondo, he leads a full life. Shihan finds satisfaction in his job and in making people confident.
So how early should you start training? “The day you want to learn is the right time,” pat comes Shihan’s reply. “It is important to learn from a genuine and reputed instructor, who has learned it from the masters,” says Shihan.
Glass ceiling broken
This profession is also not limited to men. Women are preferred by parents who want their wards to be trained in some form of martial arts. Anitha Mary, a black belt in Isshinryu Karate began training at the age of 17 and conducts karate classes for children below the age of 14.
There is clearly no prerequisite to learning, except for interest. Similarly, passion for the sport can take you a long way in teaching martial arts. That in itself makes the art of teaching martial arts an engaging and lucrative career.
— preethi@newindianexpress.com