Sour Taste?

[elliotspirrett]

Hi there. I'm just writing this to see what other people think of this experience I have just had.

 

There is a Dojo near my house which isn't the one I attend. As I am thinking of joining there too, I popped in after band practice to get some information leaflets if possible. I was asked by the sensei's wife, my grade (if any) and where I practice. I told her where my club was and that I study Trodai Karate, at which point she just smirked, and told me it was a made up martial art from Ireland and that there's was "better" because it has been around since 1900 and their club was 12 years old.

 

She then went on to offend me by saying that my she knew my sensei and that she had "seen the standard" of my club, in a mocking tone.

 

I asked what she meant, only to gett the reply; "there's a lot of people running around doing nothing!" It is at this point I decided to leave.

 

What I am tring to say;

 

A) So what if her form is older? Does it make her better? I think not!

 

B) The "Standar" of my club is that of the british Karate champion who is a senoir black belt there.

 

C) Has she any idea how hard it is to teach 40-50 insane kids to stand still? She said herself her classes are small and above 16 years old only.

 

D) I think she may just be jealous as if you check my other posts you will see that our club has won MANY competitions, and she may be jeaulous of our "Standard".

 

Any thoughts would be most appreciated! I'm quite sure there should be some rivalry between forms, but this just seems ridiculous as she seems to be in hatred of our club!

[ramymensa]

Well, get used to it. You'll meet lots of people who just mock other dojos just because they feel better this way. I've seen it and it happened to me so many times I've become imune. Just mind your business and try not to worry, although I know it's so unpleasant You've made a choice and you knew what you were doing. If you are interested in their offer just drop by again and ask around. See a class and their standard.If you like it, move, if not, don't. One thing though ... it's not nice to badmouth a previous love (well, dojo). The new coleagues would expect you to say nasty things about the others. Be a gentleman and use only nice words. That could show these people how they should act

 

Good luck to you

[elliotspirrett]

Thanks mate. Kind words!

[tommarker]

you'll have problems with people thinking their style/teacher/outlook is so superior to others no matter what you do. It's human nature to elevate yourself to the top.

 

Sometimes the only thing you can say is "I'm glad you've found something that works well for you."

[elliotspirrett]

Yeah. The weird thing is you'd expect better from a sensei...ah well...

[tommarker]

Well, a sensei is human too. And we're all guilty of this from time to time. Some people are just much better at giving out backhanded compliments.

 

The dispute sounds like the classic "small traditional class versus large commercial success dojo" argument that comes up quite a bit. I've seen it from both sides. The succesful commercial studio owner will often knock a smaller club guy for having no real students, doing poorly at competitions, etc.

 

The smaller club owner will often feel pangs of jealousy when he sees so many people going to the other school when he/she feels that they offer a superior product.

 

The truth is that both fill a niche.

[elliotspirrett]

Hmm... Makes sense... But (this may be biased) but I wouldnt say we're a commercial club... I dont know... She just seems REALLY big headed. She runs a class every day so I'm quite sure she must be bringing in lots of money at £3.50 a lesson... Still I can understant the traditional veiwpoint and why they would be less than pleased... But surely they should at least be happy that their art is being spread?

[GrrrArg]

You got any more information on this club you visited, it will be easy enough to do a bit of digging and find out some info.

 

Could be a good club, just an idot of an instructor, in wich you dont wannatrain there.

 

Also bear in mind ppl judge by different standards.

 

For example, competition success doesnt matter to me, its not something i look for in a club anymore. Doesnt means either is bad. Just different.

 

.

[P.A.L]

elliotspirrett, i don't know anything your club and the other club but don't get mad on her,sometimes traditional martial artists just can't tolorate the new sportive styles, just imagine you are a traditional karate-ka and you see some body with a shodan in a art suddenly call himself a soke and starts a new style by changing some katas or wazas and naturally becomes a 10 dan in his art and in 10 years has a branch next to your dojo,well you won't feel good too. as far as bashing a compatitor ,I am with you. in any business and particularly in martial arts. what do you think of getting some classes with her and have a close look.

[elliotspirrett]

Hmmm...yeah I guess. You al make valid points. I just wish she wasn't so caustic, mainly because I am not only the sensei's student but I also live close by, and am good friends with their family.

 

I think this is probably the reson I was so offended yesterday by her actions. Maybe I sould ive it a try, as it could be a very valid reason she see it form this view.

 

Thanks people!