What do you think?

[bushido_man96]

I think part of that will come from what you want out of the Martial Arts and what you look for in a teacher. If you're looking for a good fighter, then that might be your guy. There are so many people who teach in different ways, and so many that learn in different ways, one person's idea will differ from another's.

[honoluludesktop]

Regardless of a Senseis true abilities, none of his students will think that his is bad. The more dedicated the student, the more loyalty he will display. So to me, the question is difficult to answer.

IMO, a good Sensei needs vast experience to call on when he teaches. How can you explain something you haven't experienced. He needs the ability to communicate to his students, or at least knowledge of the process that teaches. To me, once he begins teaching, his knowledge of karate becomes fairly static.

[bushido_man96]

To me, once he begins teaching, his knowledge of karate becomes fairly static.

What do you mean by this?

[honoluludesktop]

Teachers rarely practice with the intensity that they require from their students. This is not a criticism. A teachers role is different, and they must gain skills and experience in teaching or coaching. It is common to see students with 30+ years of training, whose technical skills exceed their teachers.

[ninjanurse]

Teachers rarely practice with the intensity that they require from their students. This is not a criticism. A teachers role is different, and they must gain skills and experience in teaching or coaching. It is common to see students with 30+ years of training, whose technical skills exceed their teachers.

Eventually the body wears out and can no longer perform as it did when it was 30 years younger. When I am 80 I certainly hope that my students are more physically skilled than I!

[bushido_man96]

Teachers rarely practice with the intensity that they require from their students. This is not a criticism. A teachers role is different, and they must gain skills and experience in teaching or coaching. It is common to see students with 30+ years of training, whose technical skills exceed their teachers.

This is very common in many competitive endeavors, including Boxing, Wrestling, even sports like football and baseball. In many cases, the coaches didn't even have the physical talent that the players they end up coaching have, but do have another gift entirely.