An instructor I knew for 5 years left... can anybody relate?

[NewEnglands_KyoSa]

Good for you. Good things come in small packages

[bushido_man96]

Thanks a lot for the replies.

I just found out that my Sensei MIGHT (big might) come to one of our Bo Staff classes to help instruct. That would be awesome if I got a chance to talk to him one more time, you know, and tell him I thought he was a good instructor.

Either way, I feel really fortunate that I was one of his students.

That is probably one of the best things you can do. Let him know how he impacted you. I am sure he will feel greatful. Maybe it will be enough to get him back into it.

[NightOwl]

Even if he doesn't come back, letting him know that will probably make his day

[NewEnglands_KyoSa]

I've had two people express that to me and i remember where, why, when, how, what. I've never forgotten the words they've said. It would be a very nice thing to do if you are willing. I am SURE he will appreciate it. Good Luck.

[DC111]

It's been a while, but I figured I might as well post this.

Two nights ago, I went back to my dojo and rejoined. They were in the middle of a class when I walked in. Everyone was just training on their own at the time, though, so one of the instructors came and said hi to me and I told him I was coming back and all that. Then I went in the office and had the secretary (for lack of better word) put my name back in the computer system and stuff.

After that, I just sorta watched the class for a while. Then the door opened behind me. Guess who came in?

I was shocked to see my old Sensei again. I didn't say anything for a second, but I was thinking something along the lines of 'OMG, what's he doing here!?' I found out that he still comes to instruct a Bo Staff class every once in a while on Wednesdays.

He seemed sorta surprised to see me there too, since I hadn't been there in so long. We said hi and talked a little and then he walked into the office to do something. When he came back out, I got his attention and then said, "I know you don't instruct here anymore, but I just wanted to say thanks. I liked having you as an instructor."

He smiled and shook my hand then, and said, "I appreciate that. It was always a pleasure!"

I'm really glad I got to talk to him again. I was just in the right place at the right time, I guess. Despite the fact that he doesn't really instruct there anymore, I still can't wait to get back into the classes again. I'm really looking forward to it. ^^

[Tiger1962]

If he went to teach at another school, perhaps you can follow him, or find out his number and track hi down and join the school where he's at now. If he is too far away or gave up training, that's too bad.

Give the new teacher a chance, you might grow to like him as well. Unfortunately, these things sometimes happen in the martial arts world.

[humble monk]

So what is it about the arts that causes people to develop these unique friendships? The people I have relationships with at the school are unlike relationships in any other corner of my life. Not neccesarily deeper, but no other group relates in this particular way. Things seem more honest in the dojang. And we seem to be equals, despite everyones station in life outside the dojang.

And it carries over. We all bow to each other in the grocery store, and laugh about it.

[DC111]

So what is it about the arts that causes people to develop these unique friendships? The people I have relationships with at the school are unlike relationships in any other corner of my life. Not neccesarily deeper, but no other group relates in this particular way. Things seem more honest in the dojang. And we seem to be equals, despite everyones station in life outside the dojang.

And it carries over. We all bow to each other in the grocery store, and laugh about it.

I know exactly what you mean, though I can't pinpoint why that is either. I think there's a lot less judgment when it comes to the martial arts, simply because in most cases, you HAVE to be self-disciplined and respectful to participate. Not to mention, sort of like you said, everyone is treated equally and people aren't left out.

There's a lot of trust involved, too, when it comes to martial arts. Maybe that's part of it.

...heh, strangely enough, I've never run into someone from my dojo at a grocery store or ANYwhere for that matter.

[bushido_man96]

So what is it about the arts that causes people to develop these unique friendships? The people I have relationships with at the school are unlike relationships in any other corner of my life. Not neccesarily deeper, but no other group relates in this particular way. Things seem more honest in the dojang. And we seem to be equals, despite everyones station in life outside the dojang.

And it carries over. We all bow to each other in the grocery store, and laugh about it.

I know exactly what you mean, though I can't pinpoint why that is either. I think there's a lot less judgment when it comes to the martial arts, simply because in most cases, you HAVE to be self-disciplined and respectful to participate. Not to mention, sort of like you said, everyone is treated equally and people aren't left out.

There's a lot of trust involved, too, when it comes to martial arts. Maybe that's part of it.

...heh, strangely enough, I've never run into someone from my dojo at a grocery store or ANYwhere for that matter.

I think that it comes from the fact that it doesn't matter what walk of life you come from, we all have the same chance to develop our skills to a high level, and it all comes out on the floor. That is where we find the "honesty" that you mention.