What Is A Karate Sensei Actually Trying To Do?

Not many people know what a real Karate sensei is trying to do

. Too often people enter a karate lesson, learn to bow and address the teacher as Sensei, and don't even know what the word means. This is true not just of karate, but of other arts, such as Kenpo or Kung Fu, which have taken to using the term to indicate a martial arts instructor. To understand the word sensei, however, is to change one's mind about what the martial arts are all about.

In Japan there is a three year 'task' for monks during their training. During this time they must live by the kindness of their fellow man. They sit in places where people pass by and hold their cups out and beg without speaking.

Many monks gather at crossroads. People stop, flip a coin in the bowl, and walk on. And, sometimes, people inquire where a particular destination is.

The monk, who after a time of living in such a manner looks rather shabby, merely extends his finger and points down the road. Thus, the word sensei means: 'He who points the way.' And this term has been taken and used by people who are guiding others to a specific destination.

Now, the unfortunate fact is that many martial arts instructors don't point the way. Martial Arts have exploded across culture so fast that proper teachings have been left by the wayside. Thus, many karate sensei are in it solely so they can be bowed to.

Thus, the teaching method has been geared for the instructor who wishes to control people. But a real martial arts instructor isn't concerned with controlling people; he teaches martial arts. There is a huge and vast difference that exists between these two things.

The fellow who teaches people is looking for money, to dominate, to make sure he is the leader of the pack. The fellow who teaches martial arts doesn't care about being leader of the pack, he just wants to give information that will lead the student down the correct path. The question is...what is the correct path?

A martial art teacher with no real knowledge will point to trophies, to domination, to winning no matter what the cost. A martial art instructor who has not traveled the way himself will push people, demand discipline, and make people monkey see monkey do what he doesn't really understand himself. A true Karate sensei presents the material, then gets out of the way.

by: Al Case

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