The Role of a Sensei
The role of a Sensei within a dojo is a detailed one to define. Most traditional Dojos always had one Sensei who taught all students and was at the helm of ship. Like Dojos throughout the years, the role of a Sensei has also changed adapted with the times. Today, the role of a Sensei is the same as it was before, but it has been tweaked and defined a little differently.
Traditionally the term ‘Sensei’ actually means, ‘ Person who was born before’ or ‘elder’. It can often refer to teachers in the martial arts and other forms of teachers. However the term is synonymous with the phrase, ‘Martial Arts Teacher’. Most martial arts schools have at least one Sensei. Many still have only one main Sensei. Some of the larger schools may have more than one per dojo, depending on the head Sensei’s decision.
The responsibility of a Sensei is very great for this is one very influential position within a Dojo. A Sensei is someone who has many years experience in training and perfecting their art. Often they have had many years also teaching in more junior positions within a dojo, such as a Sempai for example. They are responsible for teaching you the physical, philosophical side of your art and how to defend yourself. Often they are a mother and or father figure to the students, a friend, a confident, a therapist, and a wise elder or senior person who can give you advice. It is their job to push you to and past your limitations, kick you in the behind when needed and challenge you to be your personal best in all areas of your life. They are each student’s personal cheerleader and someone who believes in you when you doubt yourself or lose your focus. Another responsibility of a Sensei is to keep the 3 Poisons in life in check. These are Ego, Greed and Anger. Too many people have forgotten these and have unfortunately used the power of their role as a 'Sensei' not for good. Someone with this title, needs to set the example and always remember to not let these three poisons get in the way of being a good role model to all of their students.
To be a Martial Arts Sensei is an honour that not everyone achieves. Usually the titled is bestowed on the person from a senior instructor. This title within a martial arts dojo can attract both respect and criticism. A person with the title of Sensei can feel at times that they have all the support in the world from their students and at other times feel very isolated from the student body. Being a Martial Arts Sensei requires someone who not only has the physical knowledge of the art, the required age and time involved in the martial arts, but also requires someone who can think quick on their feet, has the strength to make decisions that are not always the popular one. They are at times a performer, a motivator and someone who can uplift people.
One thing that has changed throughout the years is that the typical stereotype of what a martial arts sensei is (the older Asian man who teaches ancient wisdom to his students). Though there are still Sensei’s out there fitting this description, today, the martial arts Sensei can be from any race, religion and can be either male or female. They are not necessarily old; they often have students who can be younger than them. Understanding the role of a Sensei within a Martial Arts Dojo is important for both the student and Sensei. The Sensei is the hub of a Dojo and definitely deserves the respect that comes with the title. A good Sensei remembers that if it were not for the students, they wouldn’t be a Sensei. A good student remembers that they would not be a student and be able to learn their art, if not for their Sensei. This relationship is very important because it requires mutual respect, trust and patience for it to flourish.
Tracy Warrener has been fortunate to have been raised within the Martial Arts since the age of 4 years old and is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate. She has had the opportunity to study with some amazing Martial Artists. Sensei Richard Kim, Sensei Peter Urban, Professor Don Jacob, Sensei Jim Wilson, Professor Wally Jay, just to name several. Of course her main Sensei is her father, Sensei Don Warrener. Throughout the 40 plus years of her involvement in the Martial Arts, she has worked her way from being a student of the martial arts to a Martial Arts Sensei ,teaching hundreds of students. She has ran and managed martial arts schools teaching students of all ages, worked within the community teaching at fitness centres, schools, businesses and Women’s Shelters, the benefits of Karate. One the causes close to her heart is teaching and empowering young girls and women the importance of self defence and awareness. Her program called Look Strong! Act Strong! Be Strong! focuses on easy self defence techniques and mind self defence techniques. In 2013 she was awarded The Silver Lifetime Achievement Award in the Masters of the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in California for her contribution to Women in the Martial Arts. She is also a Certified Reflexologist and Reiki Master. She has starred in three of her own DVDs produced by Rising Sun Productions on Reiki, Reflexology and her Look Strong ,Act Strong ,Be Strong Self Defence Program.
tracy.warrenerentertainment@gmail.com
http://www.warrenerentertainment.com/the-karate-sensei/
http://www.warrenerentertainment.com/remembering-o-sensei/
