"The role of the coach is critical to development and progres s in any sport including Traditional Karate. It is through the coach that quality standards in the sport are set. Expertise in executing techniques must be balanced with an ability to communicate with students on all aspects of the martial art. A good naturaI athlete may excel, but low quality instruction will hol d him back from achieving his full potentia!. The quality achieved in the sport is directlyproportional to the quality of coaching instruction.

Traditional Karate has a goal of "unlimited seeking" or striving for improvement. The sensitivity and judgment required of the coach in this sport therefore is of particular significance. The responsibility of the coach includes directing progress at alllevels - technical, physical and spiritual.

Incorrect teaching methods, errors in understanding, and disreputable or unqualified Traditional Karate instructors can cause great harm to an individual's progress at alllevels - technical, physical and spiritual."

Hidetaka Nishiyama