What title does your instructor have?

[Ironberg]

I study a traditional art - and my instructor is simply called "Sir", or "Mr. ...".

[Sorynn]

Gumbi,

 

As you know, my BJJ instructors are called by there first name.

 

Inside class, I call my hapkido instructor by Mr and his first name or "sir". It is a minor thing, and I do not mind showing respect by saying sir, the same way I would address a coach as "coach" or "sir". He has the rank of Master, but does not use it. I am very glad for that, because I do not think I could study under someone that insisted on being called master.

 

Cheers!

[Sorynn]

...Who knows, your brother might have missed out on the opportunity to learn some quality boxing skills from that instructor simply because he can't deal with giving someone that probably knows a heck of a lot more about boxing than he does, the respect that that commands.

 

 

Dean,

 

You probably already know this, but things are very, very different in the world of boxing than in traditional martial arts. Respect is shown with blood and sweat and effort. The use of a title other than "coach" would be considered ridiculous by anyone I ever met that was a boxer.

 

Now, I do not have tons of experience, but I was trained for a year or so by a former lightweight contender and was told to call him "Jimmy." Everyone else in the gym was on a first name basis too. That include a former light-heavy weight kickboxing champion that was working on his pure boxing skills.

 

Respectfully,

 

Sorynn

[DLopez]

You probably already know this, but things are very, very different in the world of boxing than in traditional martial arts. Respect is shown with blood and sweat and effort. The use of a title other than "coach" would be considered ridiculous by anyone I ever met that was a boxer.

 

I can appreciate that, but to dismiss the quality of training you might receive from a particular instructor or trainer simply because of what he calls himself, without even witnessing for yourself firsthand whether his 'title' is justified seems a little presumptuous. If you're looking for a place to learn, how can you pretend to know whether the training is valuable or not judging simply by what the instructor's title may be?

 

Basically, I agree that you need to train in a place where you trust the instructor and you are comfortable. But to dismiss the quality of the curriculum because of the attitude that only 'dogs have masters', well that's seems a little silly to me.

[Gumbi]

You probably already know this, but things are very, very different in the world of boxing than in traditional martial arts. Respect is shown with blood and sweat and effort. The use of a title other than "coach" would be considered ridiculous by anyone I ever met that was a boxer.

 

Sorynn

 

Thats exactly my point- Someone who has proven themselves in actual fights and combat still insists on a first name basis. The only title I ever hear my instructors called is "coach" because that's essentially what he is (he not only instructs the BJJ, but also works conditioning regimes and such). The respect is shown by showing up and working as hard as you can.

[TangSooGuy]

Too many people view the title "master" the wrong way...like the person teaching is their master and they are a slave...which really isn't at all how the title is used in martial arts today, in my experience.

 

It's an earned title, like 'Doctor' or 'Colonel'...no one has a problem using those titles, so 'Master' really isn't a problem for me either, although it's only ever used along with a last name, like 'Master Smith', and never just 'Master' by itself, in my personal experience.

 

Other times it's just 'Sir' or 'Sah Bum Nim' (Korean equivalent to sensei/ sifu)

 

I think people just look at the titles wrong personally...

 

there is a really disturbing trend in society right now in my opinion that basically seems to be thinking that martial arts instructors should all teach for free, never discipline anyone for fear of hurting their feelings, and never use titles that they have earned...

 

I believe it's all in backlash to the torrent of McDojos that have opened like crazy and their bad practices...but that doesn't mean that fees, belts, and titles in and of themselves are bad things...

Edited May 25, 2004 by TangSooGuy

[ZR440]

My instructor tells the class to call him by his nickname if they want. It's not that he doesn't like a formal name, it's a Filipino cultural thing where everyone is considered equal. I still find it difficult to call him by his name after all the years I previously spent in a Korean art.

[Quest33]

I have one question;

 

Why would years of hard work, discipline, fortitude and skill be downplayed? Why would a 1st year student want to equality with one who has 20 yrs of experience? Boxing? sure boxing is good and there is nothing wrong with calling someone coach.. But do they call Boxing.. Fist ART? There are so many other things covered in martial arts that boxing is only a shadowy reflection in comparison. Again, if you talk about taking your martial art and using it for combat.. well then that SKILL needs to be practiced. It is not something you get by doing only Katas and punching a bag. It comes from trial by fire.. by practical application...FIGHTING. That fighting needs to be as realistic as possible without causing serious injury.

 

Why should a man or woman who has poured their life and soul into becoming a martial artist for years not be given the respect of being called Sensei? I can tell you why, it is part of our modern liberal PC CULTURE.. that is why. Don't dare stand up and discipline your child you tyrant!!! ...sheesh (boy is that a can of worms)

[Fenris-wolf]

Oh yes, that's a can of worms indeed. I agree, in general (especially the extra-PC thing - honestly!), but I dunno... You don't need to say there's something lacking in boxing to make you're point. Every martial art (or fighting sport if that floats your boat) has strengths and weaknesses, boxing may be a little extreme, but it's certainly not "a shadowy reflection" of other MA!

 

Also, I must point out that both Thai boxing and fisticuffs have been around for a loooong time, so what exactly is meant by "traditional"? I suppose MT has changed a lot... No headbutts, gloves, mouthguards etc, but having said that how many karate classes train the way karatekas did 100 years ago?

[Drunken Monkey]

and despite all that i say, it still sounds like people misunderstand the context of the term of master in martial arts.

 

is it that difficult?

 

is it really that unbearable to call the guy who teaches you martial arts 'sifu/sensei' (i have never met anyone who asked to be called master....)

 

not everyone calls my sifu by the title but i do.

 

it is a choice i make because i have no ego about it.

 

fi would say that it is you with the ego problem if you personally do not want to call your teacher sifu/sensei.

 

whetehr or not he asks to be called by the title is almost another point entirely.

 

if you are going to him to learn then you have deemed him suitable to teach and hence worthy of the title.