question for instructors

[bushido_man96]

That doesn't mean that you don't have to like the guy. But I wouldn't show a false respect for him, either.

[NewEnglands_KyoSa]

For the amount that i see him, and just the fact that there's so many different ways one should show respect in the MAs. I don't want to cause my school any trouble by disrespecting him like he's disrespected us. I'd just rather take the high road. I am going to speak to one of the master's though. I am going to step forward and explain that it's not my place, but i can't seem to wrap my mind around how he can be allowed such a momentus accomplishment.

I just don't want to cause trouble, i'd rather take the high road, i just can't stomach him. Im actually hoping he'll get his masters become complacent and leave. and then probably come back randomly and periodically everytime he's feeling low about himself so people can bow to him. Ugh, frusterating.

[Senseimurphy]

I think you are justified to be upset but, If you are going to be a better black belt then thats all that matters. I don't think your instructor should pass this girl because it lowers the schools standards and shows that you and other students could have worked half as hard for the same result, but of course that is your instructors decision.

[tkdan]

Thanks for the replies. The situation has been resolved. They made an anouncement that she is not testing. Although she started coming back her attendance was sporatic at best.

I agree it would have lowered the schools standards. Thanks again.

[bushido_man96]

It's a shame because when i get my masters rank, i will never feel the same about it again. He has put a black mark on such a great accomplishment. It is a shame, he has lost my respect...he has put me in such a bad position where i have to pretend to respect him so the students don't know who he is and what he has done. I feel your pain sir, i really truly do.

If I were you, I wouldn't pretend to respect the guy at all. If that is how you feel about it, then I would make sure not to play along with the politics that litter the Martial Arts. I am not saying that you need to go out and disrespect the person to everyone, but if you don't respect him, then don't pretend to.

I would, but i forgot to mention on minor detail. My father has been on my town's fire department for years, he's older now, but he still loves his job as much as when i was a little kid and he first got on. I am very proud of him. This particular person testing for his masters just got on the department two years ago. They are co workers now and often go out for drinks with the rest of the crew. I don't want to ruin things for my father, i did enough of that when i was a stupid kid/teen. I don't want to make things difficult and uncomfortable for my father, family, students, or other co workers/blackbelts.

Of course, my luck.

...And everything works out...

[sensei8]

I have a situation I'm dealing with. A group of us students are testing for our black belt soon. In the group there is one girl that was not supposed to test because she had not been to classes due to other activities for a long time. She has been in the school for as long or longer than the rest of us but she has not been to near as many classes as the rest of us. For the past four months the rest of us have been attending an extra black belt candidate class greared towards preparing us for the test. This girl just started coming to the class. So she will have two months compared to our six months in this class not to mention all of the months of regular classes she has missed. It is aggrivating because I have been working my butt off in preperation for this test. The schools policy has always been if a student is not ready to test (i.e. not enought classes, don't know or can't perform requirements) then they don't test. It is obvious that this girl will not be ready but things are movig forward as though she is going to be allowed to test. Just curious if I'm over reacting or if I have a legitimate gripe?

I hear your concerns and gripes! But.....are you the Sensei? No? Then don't worry about it. Do you respect your Sensei? Yes! Then worry about yourself and your upcoming Yudansha test! The decision for her to test is none of your business, it's the business of the Sensei...and the Sensei ONLY!!!

Yes, you've been working your butts off and this will be evident on the floor during the test. A black belt is suppose to be a model of Bushido...so act like it!

I've my own Dojo with hundreds of students. I've been in the Martial Arts for over 43 years. I've been teaching for over 36 years. So please trust me when I say...it's none of your concern! Talk with your Sensei and express your concern but do it respectfully...most Sensei's hate to be criticized on their teaching and testing manners; just be careful when you do appoach your Sensei. Now me, I've an open door all the time with my students...but they know what's cool and what's not cool with me.

[NewEnglands_KyoSa]

One cannot run a school by themselves. As an instructor myself, and brought up by many great instructors, i know they appreciate help and input and i(as an insturctor) and they(as instructors) admit we'd be nothing without it. respectful comments and concerns are not a problem. i often find that my students see things that i don't. i open my doors to my students for suggestions and concerns and as long as they are brought to me respectfully and not in a pointing fingers fashion, it is perfectly fine. I do not blame you for feeling this way tkdan, it puts a black mark on one's time in the art and makes accomplishments like dan ranks mean less. i understand, and do not think that it's an issue to bring it up if you are respectful. best of luck.

[mortalflesh]

As a side thought...how is this persons skill level? Personally, I think too many clubs put too much weight on the number of classes guideline...and that's just what it should be, a guideline. If her skill is up to snuff then who cares how many classes she has? It's the instructors call ultimately but he should keep in mind the club image when making these calls.

[NewEnglands_KyoSa]

Well, as i see what you're saying...some people have a natural athletic ability and the smarts to retain information and learn things quickly. This doesn't mean, hey just come to one class a week, because you're so advanced you deserve it. Everyone has to come to the same amount of classes and i know that most schools try to accomodate the number of classes rule to how advanced the people are, how busy they are, and how many days a week their school operates.

It also makes it easier for instructors. when it comes time to test kids its easier to say...hey look you didnt meet the requirement but you'll be more ready for next time as opposed to...you just suck, i can't test you.

Time requirements are a necessary evil or else everyone would be a 10th dan grandmaster.

[unknownstyle]

there may be circumstances that you are not aware of, you should just worry about your test and forget about hers. if she is testing she has appartently put in the time and effort to be promoted