Lower Providence Aikido

People don't usually understand what a real Karate sensei is doing. Too often people enroll for a karate lesson, learn to bend at the waist and call the teacher Sensei, and don't even know the meaning of the word. This is true in 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, and what he is really doing.

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.

One of the places they sit at is at crossroads. People pass by, toss a coin in the cup, and travel on. And, occasionally, people ask for instructions.

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.

The unfortunate fact is that many martial arts instructors don't understand this subtle history. Martial Arts have exploded across globe so fast that proper teachings have have fallen in disuse. Thus, many karate sensei teach more for the 'domination factor' than anything else.

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 who lacks understanding will point to trophies, to being in charge, to winning no matter what the cost is. A martial art instructor who has not journeyed upon the way himself will push people, call for discipline, and make people monkey see monkey do what he is showing them, no matter that he doesn't understand it himself. A true Karate sensei gives the teachings, then removes himself from the path of the student.