Marine Leadership

Taekwondo Leaders

It is important for Taekwondo instructors to be proficient at Taekwondo and be good teachers, but they also must be good leaders and mentors to students. The goal of every instructor should be to produce students who can be productive citizens while maintaining the traditions of Taekwondo. However, today we are faced with young students who are often without a father or mother in their home, or lack a proper role model. They are without religious guidance and have no understanding of morality, integrity, or self-discipline. The leadership of instructors and the mentorship they provide may be the key to success for many children and even some adults.

The leadership principles developed by the Marine Corps may be adapted for use by Taekwondo instructors.

Know yourself and seek self-improvement

Instructors should always seek to constantly improve themselves and recognize their own strengths, weaknesses, assets, and limitations. Recognize your strengths and assets and exploit them. Find your weakness and limitations and conquer them.

Be technically and tactically proficient

Technical excellence is paramount for an instructor. Constant practice to maintain and improve skills is a part of an instructor job description. Seeking self-improvement sets the example for your students. Proficiency is not just physical proficiency; it includes proficiency in the knowledge of all aspects of Taekwondo.