The Unseen Battle: What We're Really Teaching at the Dojo

As a martial arts instructor, I am a lifelong student myself. Every time I open the dojo doors, I ask a fundamental question: "Am I truly making a difference?" It's a question that keeps me awake at night and one that pushes me to be better every single day. I wanted to share this thought with all of you, the families who have trusted me with your children's growth.

It’s no secret that the journey to a black belt is long. It requires years of commitment from both the student and the parents. In today’s world, our children's lives are a whirlwind of activities—from soccer and cricket to music and tutoring. I understand the many demands on your family's time and energy.

I've had the privilege of seeing more than a hundred children walk through our dojo doors. Some stay for a term, others for five years or more. My greatest challenge is not teaching a perfect front kick or a flawless kata, but inspiring students to stay the course.

Why do some students, who seem to love their lessons, eventually disappear? Is it the training? Is it me? These are the questions that drive me to look at what I do every day and ask how I can do it better.

I've learned that the answer isn't in a new drill or a different game. The answer lies in the very heart of why we practice karate-do. It's about building character, not just physical strength. It's about teaching our children to overcome obstacles and to understand that a black belt isn’t just a rank; it's a testament to their resilience, discipline, and respect. It is a commitment to improving their character for a lifetime.

My mission is simple: to help every child who steps into our dojo become a more confident, disciplined, and respectful person. I know that by teaching the principles of Bushido, we are giving our children the tools to handle the challenges of growing up, from schoolwork to social pressure and even bullying

Thank you for your support. With your help, I will continue to work tirelessly to be a better instructor, to build a stronger community, and to make sure that the character-building lessons of our art last a lifetime.

Yours in training,

Andy Mckechnie

Sep2025