Not many people understand what a real Karate sensei is trying to teach. Too often people sign up for a karate lesson, learn to bow and call the teacher Sensei, and don't even know what the word means. This is true not just of karate, but of other martial arts, such as Kenpo or Kung Fu. To understand what the word sensei means, however, is to change the student'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 actually looks like a bum, merely holds up his arm and points down the road. Thus, he points the way, and this is what the word sensei means: 'He who points the way.' And this term has been taken and used by people who are guiding others through a specific method to a specific destination.
Now, the unfortunate fact is that many fighting instructors don't understand this. Martial Arts have exploded across civilization so fast that proper teachings have been all but forgotten. Thus, many karate sensei are in it solely for the 'domination factor.'
Thus, the teaching method has been geared for the instructor who wishes to control people. But a real martial 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 instructor who doesn't have the proper understanding will point to trophies, to being in charge, to winning no matter the cost. A martial art instructor who has not traveled upon the way himself will push people, call for discipline, and have people monkey see monkey do what he is showing them. A true Karate sensei shares the teachings of the martial arts, then gets out of the way of the student.
Fortunately, there is a program which teaches a person how to teach in the old way. Karate Sensei everywhere should check out the Master teacher Course http://www.monstermartialarts.com/.
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