The Good Sensei

12/3/91

Mark J. Norton


As Lou Perriello points out in his "Welcome to Northeast Aikikai" letter, the position of the teacher is one of honor. He is not just teaching techniques, but handing down the teachines of the Founder.

This places a great deal of responsibility onto the teacher as well. Students must place a great of trust in their teacher, indeed, their very lives are in his hands at times. What are some of the qualities of a good sensei?

  1. A good understanding of basic Aikido
  2. Good communication skills
  3. Patience
  4. A good leader
  5. Able to keep order
  6. Sets a good example
  7. Has an open mind
  8. Dedicated to Aikido
  9. Respectable and respectful
  10. Understanding
Lets examine these in more detail:

A teacher of any martial art must understand it himself. Naturally, even a teacher continues to progress and does not profess to know it all. The basic concepts should be understood to that they can be properly communicated to his students. I have seen many students who's technique suffers because of a lack of understanding in their teachers.

Good communication skills are needed to teach. The sensei should be able to explain verbally, demonstrate physically, and answer common questions about all basic techniques. Not everyone has these skills. Some are forced by circumstances to teach anyways. If so, the teach must strive to overcome these weaknesses.

Teaching requires a vast amount of patience. It can be extremely frustrating to show something 20 times without any sign of comprehension on the part of the student. It is also tiring to return again and again to the same basic moves as new students arive in the dojo. Egotism gets in the way of patience and teaching. Many Aikido instructors have problems with self importance. Often it is a measure of insecurity. Humility should be cultivated in addition to patience.

A good school requires a good leader. Students will naturally look to their teacher for this leadership and guidance. The Senior Student in the dojo also provides some of this leadership, but derives it in turn from his Sensei. If there is a problem in the dojo, the Sensei should deal with it in the proper way and time. If a shift in training emphasis is needed, Sensei should make the appropriate direction. Many instructors are quite casual about this aspect of teaching.

The good teacher-leader will also keep order in the dojo. If there is conflict between students, he must guide them to a solution. If there is competition with another school, the sensei must keep it in bounds. He must teach manners, appropriate language, etc. Dealing with aggression can be difficult against a strong student or one who challenges him. In general, force is not the appropriate response. What is the real complaint? Does the student lack faith? Does he think he can do the job better? Keeping order in the dojo means seeing through to the heart of the matter.

Dedication is importanting also. An Aikido instructor might be a full time martial arts teacher with no other source of income and still not be dedicated to the art. Conversely, a man who works full time during the day and spends a few evenings a week to teach can be quite dedicated. This is an attitude. It is a committment to stay with Aikido for the remainder of your life. It is a need to make sure that principles are communicated clearly and correctly.

A sensei needs to be a respectable individual. Young people especially will look to the teacher as a role model. As such, it is important to live up to these expectations as much as possible. As a student, I always found it quite difficult to respect a teacher who was quite competent on the mat, but during off hours smoked, drank liquor to excess, behaved promiscuously to women students, used serious drugs, etc.

The reverse is also true, the sensei must respect his students as well. The dojo is a special, artificial environment removed from the outside world. It is important to realize that the student (often a professional outside the dojo) is submitting to the control of his teacher voluntarily. This must be respected, though too often it is not. Teachers and seniors take advantage of beginners and hurt them unnecessarily. Excessive dominance is applied for the sheer thrill of it (a power trip). Teachers can be too demanding of time from their students, they have a life to lead too! Respect is very much a two way street. It must be given to be received.

Respect will lead to understanding. Not all students are natural atheletes. Some require a long time to understand basics. Indeed, some will never reach it. Try to understand what each student is trying to accomplish by studying this art. Does he want a workout? Does she need a means of self-defense? Is it the sense of coordination it brings. Unification of the mind and body? An attraction to things oriental? There are probably as many reasons as there are students. Understanding their needs will help to guide your teaching.

Accomplish all these things and you will be a good teacher. You would also be a saint. I'm not that good and few I've met come close. But just because we don't meet the ideal doesn't mean that we shouldn't strive for it. The goal can never be reached (perfection), but the way is all-important (life).