# Talent or Dedication?

- Link: https://brianejohns.com/2020/01/06/blog-talent-or-dedication/
- Published: 2020-01-06T09:00:00-05:00
- Author: Brian Johns

Which is more important, dedication or talent? From an instructor’s perspective,
dedication wins hands down.

Like many instructors, I have students who are talented and “natural.” I also have
students who are not “natural” in martial arts.

Oddly enough, and generally speaking, the less talented folks are more dedicated
and more likely to attend class. The committed students know they need to train 
consistently. Further, they ask more questions than others and are often highly 
motivated.

Some talented people do not take their talent for granted and work to maximize their
potential. On the other hand, many do, and that is unfortunate. These students are
among the most frustrating to teach.

Why?

![](https://i0.wp.com/brianejohns.com//wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Blog-picture.png?
resize=560%2C315&ssl=1)

**You’re looking at a couple of dedicated students of FMAs!**

It is frustrating because you are willing to teach them and help them reach their
potential but either their attendance is spotty, or they don’t seem to work as hard
during class as others.

### On the other hand, the less talented students scrap for every bit of knowledge and skill. They watch videos, ask questions during class, and request private lessons. Many of them are aware of their limitations.

However, there is a subset of the less talented students that instructors have to
watch out for and those are the ones who know that they are not “natural” and [are easily discouraged](https://brianejohns.com//2016/09/19/blog-stop-judging-yourself/).

This, in turn, affects their motivation to train. I must admit that I struggle when
folks give up on themselves. I make every effort to lift them up. But, it does not
always work. In this respect, they are similar to unmotivated talented students.

It should be obvious that I love teaching motivated and dedicated students, regardless
of talent level. Their “can-do” attitude is infectious!

The converse is that I am not thrilled with teaching unmotivated students who consistently
go through the motions during class. I can understand a student occasionally not
feeling motivated. I always check in: “What’s up?” There is usually a good reason.“
I’ve got a huge project _due at the end of the week_.”

But those who are consistently unmotivated? While I have not had too many of them,
I generally wait. To date, every one of them has quit in due time. Make no mistake;
I make every effort to motivate them. Unfortunately, it does not work for everyone.

Speaking of dedication, look at the post below by Jesse Enkamp on Instagram. How
dedicated are you really? 🙂

![](https://i1.wp.com/bamboospiritmartialarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Screen-
Shot-2020-01-06-at-9.06.47-AM.png?fit=1024%2C859&ssl=1)

**Posted by Sensei Jesse Enkamp aka “The Karate Nerd.” Link** [here](https://www.instagram.com/p/B6932wkhGfE/).

In summary, I value dedication over talent!

### Finally, for those reading this post, I wish you all a Happy New Year. I’ll be back with more posts soon!

## Additional Reading

 * [The Benefits of Solo Training](https://brianejohns.com/2023/04/20/blog-the-benefits-of-solo-training-how-to-stay-motivated/)
 * [Five Reasons to Suspend Martial Arts Training](https://brianejohns.com/2023/04/27/blog-reasons-to-suspend-martial-arts-training/)
 * [The Most Important Person?](https://brianejohns.com/2016/08/01/blog-the-most-important-person/)
 * [How To View Private Lesson Videos](https://brianejohns.com/2015/12/24/blog-how-to-view-private-lesson-videos/)
 * [Top Ten Tips for Watching Martial Arts Instructional Videos](https://brianejohns.com/2024/02/14/top-ten-tips-for-watching-martial-arts-instructional-videos/)

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