A teacher never knows where his or her influence stops is an expression you may have come across, and its quite true.

A simple word of discouragement or encouragement, for example, can mean all of the difference in a students life.

A few years ago, I noticed a young lower belt who was taking a test for the next level of training, and he performed quite well.

I thought back to myself at that level, and I could see that this fellow was more agile than I was at a similar point in training, and overall, he had certain physical capabilities that were impressive.

Also, I knew that my fellow instructors were not going to lavish praise on him because they wouldnt want it to go to his head, to have the effect of making him think he didnt have to work hard to improve.

I can understand that concern, but I think it can also mask a degree of jealousy on the part of senior dojo members toward up and coming stars. They may feel threatened that someones kata will be more aesthetic, that their techniques may look like they can really work, and that their strikes and kicks are more powerful.

Anyway, I felt I had to step in, that otherwise, the dojo could lose this young man unless he received some timely encouragement.

So, after the test, I said very directly: You did very well, and I think you have a future at this!

He smiled, and that was that.

The other day, I popped into the dojo on a Saturday to drop off a note. It was his day to manage the place, to teach the Juniors, the kids, as well as the adult classes ranging from White Belt to Blue Belt.

He was practicing his kata between classes, and he looked great, and I could see he was maturing into a confident, competent, and capable martial artist and instructor.

As I left, I smiled broadly, knowing that my influence, however small and subtle, may never stop!