As a hapkido instructor gains experience, he or she may and will come across a drought of students. At such times, the instructor may become disappointed with the lack of student turn-out or turn bitter towards life, itself. However, looking back upon these times, the instructor will come to realize that these hardships offered and spurred the chance for development.

The lesson is that one should not fear downfalls, but rather, learn to find their silver-lining and rise again, stronger than before.

While leading a practice hall, the instructor should not fear obstacles because they provide the opportunity to overcome future obstacles. At the core of any problem lies the catalyst for betterment, the driving force of life.

An instructor will always feel weary and lonely; it is a difficult path to undertake. Nonetheless, the presence of students supporting and following the instructor makes this walk worthwhile.

Often times, I feel more like a student and less the instructor. I am constantly reminded of the teachings given by my students, whether they notice or not. This is something that my own instructor told me during my training.

I may be the leader of the classes, but I am the learner being guided by my students, my teachers.