KAKU's reasoning is that instructors with solid technique usually have a better grasp of safety and of the details. This doesn't contradict KAKU's post from the day before. That post was about JSBA's grade test (Badge Test), and in it KAKU wrote that holding Level 1 proves only that you "can ride"; it says nothing at all about whether you "can teach". Putting the two together, our editors' summary is: riding ability is a necessary condition, not a sufficient one. So even after watching the video in step 2, you still can't skip the conversation in step 3. For whether someone who has just earned an instructor qualification can teach well, and how the principal brings new instructors along, see [Part 5](/en/blog/coach-choice-05-can-a-level-1-instructor-teach/). **Key point**: KAKU believes an instructor who can't ride well probably can't teach well; riding well still leaves the question of whether they can teach. ## What to watch on the day of the lesson You can check certifications and videos before the lesson. Two things only show up on the day itself. KAKU says a lot of students, when they arrive for a lesson, quietly ask: - "My balance isn't very good. Are you going to yell at me?" - "You won't leave me alone on the mountain, will you?" KAKU reads this as a sign that these students have met irresponsible instructors before, which is why they are so uneasy. KAKU's position: don't lose your temper with students, and don't leave students somewhere unfamiliar.If they can't even ride well themselves, chances are they can't teach you well either.
KAKU
KAKU has recounted one case. After a lesson, a student was still standing on the spot, afraid to move: the student's previous "instructor" had simply left the moment the lesson time was up. As KAKU rode down the mountain with the student, the student said: "I was worried I was taking up your time." This is KAKU's account; we have not checked it independently. KAKU's conclusion: "What we care about is not only how much you learn, but how you are treated along the way." In a November 2026 post, 西西 wrote about good instructors from another angle: good guides and instructors share one trait. They can bring people into a kind of hyper focus state, one that keeps sparking your curiosity and enjoyment. For how 西西 observes students when teaching, see [Part 3](/en/blog/coach-choice-03-why-a-regular-instructor/). **Key point**: on the day, watch how the instructor treats you, and notice whether you stay focused and curious throughout the lesson. ## Who this post is not for - Anyone who hasn't decided which kind of lesson to book: start with [Which ski or snowboard lesson should I book?](/en/blog/first-trip-02-how-to-choose-a-ski-lesson/) and match the lesson type to your level. - Anyone who can't read the certification strings on an instructor's profile: start with [What do JSBA certifications prove?](/en/blog/coach-choice-02-what-instructor-certs-prove/) - Anyone who wants a list of recommendations: this post does not name any instructor or school. SnowWind's lessons are on the [courses page](/en/courses/); for principal KAKU's background, see [KAKU's profile](/en/instructors/yuugyo/).We're paid not only for technique, but for the trust placed in us.
KAKU
This post is compiled from KAKU's Threads posts of 27 and 28 October and 15 November 2025, and 西西's Threads post of 6 November 2026. The students' questions and the story of the student left behind after a lesson are KAKU's account; the students are not named, and we have not checked them independently. The criticism of others in the trade at the end of KAKU's original post is not included, because this post is about how readers choose, not about judging other instructors. The second half of 西西's post, which is about guides, is not included either. The "necessary, not sufficient" summary and the ordering of the three steps are our editors' work. All of the above is personal opinion, not an official JSBA position.
## FAQ ### What should I look at first when choosing a ski instructor? KAKU's three steps: check the certification's system and level, then that level's technical standard on the system's official site. Compare the instructor's riding video with the official demo for that level. In the pre-lesson talk, see if the teaching logic is clear and if they ask what you need. ### Does a ski instructor have to ride really well? KAKU: 'If they can't ride well themselves, chances are they can't teach you well either.' Solid technique usually means a better grasp of safety and detail. KAKU also wrote that JSBA Badge Test Level 1 proves you can ride, not teach. Editors' summary: riding ability is necessary, not sufficient. ### How should I judge an instructor's riding video? KAKU suggests comparing the instructor's own riding video with that system's official demo video for the same level. It doesn't have to be identical, but the fluency and control of the movements shouldn't be far off. ### What if I'm afraid an instructor will yell at me or leave me on the mountain? KAKU says many students quietly ask about exactly this before a lesson. KAKU's position is never to get angry with students or leave them somewhere unfamiliar, because 'we're paid not only for technique, but for the trust placed in us.' Both show up on the day of the lesson. ### What makes a good ski instructor? In 西西's view, a good guide or instructor can bring people into a kind of hyper focus state, keeping them curious and enjoying themselves. This is 西西's personal observation, not an official JSBA standard. ## Sources - https://www.threads.com/@kakukazui/post/DQWWZlOD8Mv - https://www.threads.com/@kakukazui/post/DQT4l3jgZz7 - https://www.threads.com/@kakukazui/post/DRC4KDFD6VK - https://www.threads.com/@ryokan_ijuin/post/DfZ7dnVD4Lp