I can't speak to anyone else's experiences, but my martial arts teachers (one in particular) played a father-figure role of sorts as I was growing up. As my parents had an ugly split when I was seven, I didn't really have much contact with my dad from then until I was 26 or so, although we get along famously now. So, perhaps it was natural that my jujitsu teacher of 20 or so years naturally took on the part of role model and mentor. Certainly, I am better for it. In varying ways, my following teachers (taijiquan and then judo) also filled this role in different ways as I navigated college, competition, and teaching.
So, thanks not only to all the good fathers out there, but also the great martial art teachers who help guide their students to be better people.
Happy Dad Day
