what makes a good sensei?

ZeRo · Black Belt

in your opinion what would be the qualitys of a good sensei. Make your own:

Kensai · Black Belt

I very good question. I have had a few Sensei's over the last few years, mainly due to changing martial arts.

However, my Aikido teacher is great. She is an 8th Dan and so has this great Energy about her. She always makes you feel at home and calm.

A great teacher in my mind is one you respect and not fear. That has complete control of their abilitys. I think an older sensei is better, with the wisdom of age. Also can make the lesson interesting and varied (although this is hard with some martial arts).

Also a sence of Humour is good.

Enjoy.

Eye of the Tiger · Purple Belt

My Sensei for karate and kicboxing is very friendly and has a good sence of humour not very loud but not soft. I don't think using fear is a good principle.

van_damme · Orange Belt

yeh..i like my sensei.He is not strict at all,he is friendly and continually says 'your improving'..which boosts your confidence which makes you better at the martial arts you are doing.

KickChick · Black Belt

Soldiers are as strong as the general who leads them, and, in a like manner, students can only excel under an excellent instructor.

1. Strong moral and ethical standard.

2. Clear outlook and philosophy in life.

3. Responsible attitude as an instructor.

4. Scientific mind in matters of technique.

5. Knowledge of the vital spots of human anatomy.

6. Unshakable integrity in political and financial dealings. (The development of students should take precedence over commercialism. Once an instructor becomes concerned with materialism, he will lose the respect of his students.

7. Dedication to their Martial Art.

8. One who gains confidence from his seniors is trusted by his fellow instructors, and is respected by his juniors.

:-)-: · Blue Belt

I think it comes down how well a teacher can help the student improve him/herself.

A sensei should not simply teach a student this or that. He should teach a student how to learn. Then the student will be able to truly progress.

An ideal sensei should not demand respect. This should come naturally from his students. If he is a good sensei, he will get respect.

He should help the student understand what is being taught, so that the student will constantly be focused on the objective, not on counterproductive thoughts.

A good sensei, above all, is an ally, not merely a teacher.

_________________
d-:-O->img src="images/smiles/icon_smile.gif" alt="">->img src="images/smiles/icon_frown.gif" alt="">-:-O-:-p

G95champ · Black Belt

1. He or she must know what they are doing. At the same time they got to be able to say I don't know. Be a real person not a god.

2. They have to be a people person. They have to know how to talk to you. Differant people learn differant ways and they got to be able to teach many at the same time. Chaning up the classes and not doing the same thing over and over to keep it fresh.

3. High morals maybe the biggest factor. To teach something like Martial Arts you can't be a thug. You don't have to be a saint either but you must practice what you teach.

4. Skill is not really that important IMO but at the same time the person must be good enough to have students look up to them.

5. They must teach for the love of teaching not money.

(these are in no order)

_________________
(General George S. Patton Jr.) "It's the unconquerable soul of man, and not the nature of the weapon he uses, that ensures victory."

BlueDragon1981 · Red Belt

Huh, one who doesnt think he knows everything.

I think that a good sensai is a firm but sensative person. The individial should be a model person in the community. Not just in the dojo. Also they should want to help their students and not want to make a quick buck. One that is open to new moves and ideas.

chh · Orange Belt

I'm curious, in previous discussions of this nature many people have gotten very adamant about teachers having certain qualifications; i.e. nobody should be allowed to teach before sandan, they should have specific certifications and that sort of thing. Nothing like that has been mentioned here. So, if you walked into a dojo where the sensei has all the qualities you guys described, would the rank and certification stuff still be a factor for you?

Mankr · Yellow Belt

when i was training to be in the army at college we had 2 teachers, one was such a push over i didn't learn a thing but the other was ex-SAS, i was sh*t scared of him, so i felt i had to do my best all time.

its the same with my kung fu teacher i now he could slap me silly any time, so i dont mess about and try my hardest all the time, to try and prove myself.

people like these are the people i give most respect to.

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