A qualified self-defense instructor is perhaps the most important component of an effective self-defense program. Without proper knowledge and experience in the fields of psychology and physical combat manoeuvres, an instructor could easily give out misinformation and put students into harm's way. Alarmingly enough, there are actually lots of instructors around who have had very little training and education in the art of self-defense.
Whenever you're searching for self-defense courses to take, you might run into some of these self-proclaimed 'gurus' or amateur instructors. But by interviewing them and researching their backgrounds in self-defense, you can learn to discern the frauds from the truly qualified instructors.
The following list of questions will aid you in your interviews and research, so please refer to it when you're in the process of selecting a self-defense course.
1. Who trained the instructor? Find out if the instructor was self-taught, or if other certified instructors trained him. If a certified instructor trained him, find out who it was and what background he had as well. Training by other highly qualified instructors is ideal.
2. Does the instructor have certification in self-defense training? Training experience doesn't necessarily mean that a person is qualified and certified to teach a self-defense course, so find out which certifications he has obtained. The leader of your chosen course should be a certified instructor in the self-defense technique he is teaching.
3. How much training has the instructor had? Some self-defense instructors have received 'certification' after only a few days of training, whereas others have earned it through years of hard work and discipline. A long-time self-defense practitioner is obviously better qualified than someone who passed a simple exam.
4. How many students has the instructor taught? Would you rather learn self-defense from someone who has taught tens or thousands of students? A high number is a good indication that the instructor offers valuable training, and is qualified to do so. Organisations and everyday citizens seek training from highly qualified instructors, so it's sometimes easier to find a good instructor by simply following the masses.
In addition to these questions, find out if the instructor is able to train you for real-world self-defense. Some martial arts and self-defense courses focus more on exercise or competitive sport than on physical safety. By thoroughly interviewing and researching potential instructors, you're likely to find a highly qualified teacher for your self-defense needs.
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