07/12/2026
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This is one of the most profound lessons I’ve ever received from my teacher. Though the sentiment was passed on to me many years ago, I am still just learning the depth of its real meaning.
Not heeding this advice is a mistake I see so many academy owners and instructors make. They surround themselves with the trappings of their own creations failing to remember that their true mission is to meet their student’s needs.
And it’s not just providing for the student’s needs. It’s doing it in a way that finds the compromise in between what many times can be conflicting interests between running an academy and providing for your clients.
I remember my good friend Chris Kelly telling me 15 years ago, “If you’re not giving your students what they want, are you really in business?” He was spot on!
The good ones find a way to thread the needle and navigate a difficult path. The not so good ones say “my way or the highway”.
This relationship doesn’t just apply to the student/teacher or client/academy owner dynamic. This also applies to the academy owner/association relationship. I see a lot of people join associations with zero intention of carrying on the legacy of (insert name here). All they care about is being able to put a logo on a wall and to use that logo for marketing. It is all too common and it’s leading to the commercialization of our beautiful art.
You do you but as for me, I’m going to follow what my teacher told me over 10 years ago. “It’s not about you anymore. It’s about your students.” I’m going to put my students and carrying on my teacher’s legacy at the very top of my to do list.