Role Models
By Alfredo Delbrocco
Published in MAP Magazine (date pending)
Q/ What is the role of a martial arts instructor?
The role is varied and unique. Besides being knowledgeable in small business management and marketing, the role of a martial arts instructor also incorporates being a coach, personal trainer, father figure, role model, teacher, motivator, social worker, philosopher and student.
Q/ What made you decide to become a martial arts instructor?
It just happened! Being in the right place at the right time and having a coach that believed in me, pushing me to realise my destiny.
Q/Where and how long did you need to study for your profession?
I have been studying the martial arts for over 17 years. I started in Melbourne in 1980. 1987 saw an opportunity to move to Sydney totrain under Master Rick Spain ('82/'83 full-contact WorldChampion), where I became a 'closed door disciple', living and training in the School for a period of 5 years. In 1993 a move to Brisbane to set up full-time training centres, opening the current Headquarters at 51 Edward Street in 1995.
Q/ Who inspires you?
My Instructor, my students and my family.
Q/ What motivates you to do your job?
Two things motivate me. Firstly, my students, for without them I wouldn't have an enjoyable job. Secondly, the lack of integrity and the martial art charlatans within the industry. This motivates me to do the right thing by my students and that is to teach them everything I know! No secrets, no choreography and no bullshit!
Q/ Did you always think you would become a martial arts instructor?
No.
Q/ What advice would you give anyone looking to get into the martial arts?
Do your homework! Research! Find a reputable, credible and genuine instructor. Stay away from the choreographers and those who have never had a real street encounter and have never had to put their skill and knowledge to the test. Also stay away from the "jacks of all trades, masters of nothing".
Q/ Are there many opportunities in the martial arts?
Besides teaching, there are the movies, stunt work, fight choreography, personal training/coaching, security work and personal bodyguard work, and sports oriented training i.e. fighting.
Q/ Are you in the martial arts for a long time?
My whole life. Kung Fu is a way of life.
Q/ What would you do if you weren't a martial arts instructor?
Own a Burger King franchise!
Q/ What was your first ever job?
Working in a pet shop, cleaning out the animal excreta from the cages. Also working in the family industrial dry cleaning business.
Q/ What are your appropriate words of wisdom?
Never say never, never say die, do what you have to do today because tomorrow never comes!
