"Sensei"

The term "Sensei" means teacher or instructor but the literal translation is "one who has gone before". This means a person that has walked the path or "way" before and is now offering to lead others down the path. This title is generally one that comes with the rank of black belt. Originally, the term was reserved for those ranked 4th degree or higher. In today's dojo communities it is considered acceptable for any black belt. 

The title "Sensei" is one that is earned alongside the rank of black belt. It is a term of respect and honor. It is reflective of the time invested, achievements, and knowledge of the given art.

In the mid-late 90s, I was a brown belt assistant instructor under Sensei Yuzo Kato. I was often entrusted with teaching classes any time he had to be away. I felt honored that he had faith in my teaching ability and my effort to teach the way he would. 

One day while teaching class, a young woman asked me a question concerning a certain technique she was struggling with. She said that she was trying to do it the way "Yuzo" had shown her. 

I offered my advice on the technique and reminded her that while in the dojo, she should refer to our instructor as "Sensei" and not by his first name. 

She replied, "He has not earned that privilege with me yet."

The hair stood up on the back of my neck. I stopped the class immediately and lined everyone up as we would at the end of class. I saw this as a teachable moment. 

I explained to the class that Sensei Yuzo Kato had begun training Judo at the Kodokan in Japan at the age of 8. He worked very hard for many years under some of the world's top instructors (including Mifune and Kudo) and eventually had earned the rank of 4th dan. His promotion to 4 dan came as a batsugun (promotion due to defeating higher ranked individuals in tournament). He was kind enough to share his knowledge of the art with us and we should be showing him utmost respect. His title of "Sensei" had been earned long before we had met him and in fact we should earn the privilege of calling him our Sensei by showing the due respect. 

Unexpectedly, the girl that had made the aforementioned statement, broke into tears. After the class ended, she told me that she had never thought of it that way and would be more respectful in the future.

Alexenko Sensei was my first Judo teacher. He taught the beginner class as Kato Sensei's assistant. In 1997, Alexenko Sensei retired and I was asked to fill his position as assistant. I filled the position as well as I could. No one has the knowledge and storytelling ability of Alexenko Sensei. It is an honor to have him teach at our dojo now.

I have known Alexenko Sensei since 1990. My family has been guests in his home to have dinner and conversation with him and his wife many times over the years. He and his wife, Kitty have been to our home upon many occasions. We are friends and have been friends for a long time. However, I have never stopped calling him Sensei. I will always call him Sensei. It is a title he has earned and I will always respect that.

When in the dojo, you should address all black belt instructors as Sensei. Even if you are on friendly terms outside of the dojo, respect to dojo etiquette and the dedication of the instructor should be payed.

See you in the dojo! 

 

 

General Etiquette for the Dojo

This blog is a repeat of one done many moons ago. However, we have many new students at the dojo that have been asking about proper mannerisms inside and outside the dojo. I will have printed versions of this etiquette at the dojo for students to pick up this week. 

Dynamic Martial Arts is a traditional Dojo. This means that our dojo operates using traditional rules of etiquette. Gichin Fukakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate said, "without etiquette, there is no dojo."   

Adhering to the rules of etiquette will make your learning experience greater and result in making you a better martial artist.

We use the Kyu-Dan ranking system for our Kodokan Judo and Mixed Martial Arts programs.

The Kyu-Dan belt ranking system was originally used in Kodokan Judo in the early 20^th century.  

Rank advancement requirements in our dojo are based on improvements of the following:

1. Physical application of technique—repetition develops muscle memory and knowledge of body mechanics, patterns of movement, etc.
2. Understanding of the art and its history—terminology, lineage, principles, rules of contest,  tactics, strategies, and doctrine
3. Etiquette inside and outside the dojo—never assume to be greater than the art
4. Attitude—you are a representative of the art, your dojo, your training partners, your instructor, and the lineage. Attitude is a reflection of the martial arts maturity of the rank holder.

**Note to parents--your child will learn about perseverance and rewards for work well done.  Students are recognized for the individual achievements. Everyone has unique obstacles to overcome.  The instructors are constantly paying close attention to the aforementioned requirements per individual student. Just because one person qualifies for advancement, does not mean others automatically qualify. If you try to pressure the instructors into promoting your child, what kind of example are you setting? We want your child to grow and understand the value of individual effort being rewarded to the individual as well as the individual being of value to the entire dojo. 

General Dojo Etiquette

1. Bow toward the inside of the dojo upon entering or exiting the dojo.
2. Show up on time for class. When it is time for class to begin, line up in order of rank in seiza (sitting kneeling) facing the Kamiza (front of dojo).
3. If you are late, change into your uniform and wait for the instructor to give you permission to step onto the mat.
4.  Always address black belt instructors as Sensei. They are Larry Keith, Olga Keith, and Tony Pepe. 
5. When a black belt enters the dojo/tatami while a class is already in session, you should always greet him/her with a bow and/or handshake. 
6. Address anyone higher rank than yourself as Senpai, Sir, or Ma’am
7. When someone is left in charge of a class (even for just a moment), you are to offer them the same respect as the Sensei, regardless of rank. 
8. Execute a standing bow before stepping onto or off of the tatami (matted area).
9. When the instructor is speaking to the class, do not interrupt. Do not walk away, or cause any kind of distraction. Listen to what is being taught.
10. Practice only techniques that have been formally taught to you and that are approved for you by the Instructor.
11. Do not teach techniques to others without specific permission from the instructor. 
12. Always respect the skills you are learning. Carelessness can and will result in injury.
13. Do not be stubborn—it is better to tap out early than to tap out late. Enter positions quickly, but execute submissions with control and consideration.
14. All strikes will be done with control. Never let emotions escalate your sparring sessions.  
15. Bow and shake hands with your practice partner at the beginning and end of each practice session and when a new partner arrives.
16. Do not wear shoes on the tatami. Do not walk around outside or on the dirty floor with bare feet and step onto the mats. Slip on shoes or flip flops are a good piece of equipment to have.
17. Wear proper uniform with proper rank.
18. Uniforms must be clean and in good repair.
19. If you must leave early, be sure to inform the instructor before class begins or as soon as you can. This allows the instructor to make sure you do not miss out on important information. Make sure you have a good reason.
20. Remember to remove socks, sharp jewelry, watches, and the like.
21. Keep finger nails and toe nails trimmed short. If you have long hair, wear it tied back and out of the way.
22. No stinky uniforms, gloves, shin pads, or other equipment should be used. Hygiene is very important due to the close contact of our sport. 
23. No food or drinks are allowed on the mats.
24. Never shout or yell for the Instructor (other than emergency). If you have a question, approach the instructor and wait to be acknowledged. Do not interrupt if the instructor is working with other students.
25. Only the correct grade signified by the color of the belt may be worn.
26. If a senior asks a junior for a practice the junior may not decline unless he is sick, injured, or an instructor has directed otherwise.
27. Maintain a disciplined and serious attitude. Jiu-jitsu, Judo, and other arts can be fun, but they are very physical, and if you are goofing around, someone will likely get hurt.
28. Even if you are instructed to sit on the side and watch, this is not break-time or time to chit-chat. Keep your attention on the class. Much can be learned from watching.
29. If you are the odd person out, do not wonder around the class. Sit properly and wait for your turn to participate.
30. Refrain from idle conversation in the dojo. The more time you spend talking, the less time you spend training. You also prevent others from getting proper practice.
31. Do not stray from the curriculum. If you have been asked to perform a certain technique, you should perform that technique.
32. Accept that there are no shortcuts. Learn your basics thoroughly and try always to understand why they work (or fail). Ignore the "tricks" people are constantly trying to teach you.
33. Try to earn the respect of your fellow teammates as a "good person to train with" not as the toughest guy on the mat. Be careful and considerate of others.  Be an asset - not a liability.
34. Jiu-jitsu, Judo and MMA should never be practiced outside of your dojo without the permission/advice of the Sensei.
35. Pass along good etiquette to your fellow students. Set a good example for the other people in the dojo that may be less aware.