I don't like this Sensei

[Revario]

Yes, I am looking for Kata knowledge from him. Only and specifically Kata. Not the way Bunkai are interpreted, as it is done in a non realistic manner. His focus is on curriculum and knowing things by heart, not the why but the how.

My own Sensei (which I dont get to see often) teaches same style but different method and understanding of Karate. I get all knowledge needed from him. The other man would be an extra (which would become the main as I would see him more often but never relate to him...)

On the other hand, why would you want someone to specifically learn a style or method they have no interest in before going to what they have an interest in? I understand having a basic knowledge and understanding of how a body moves, knowing various schools of HEMA exists, why wouldn't someone be able to start learning with a Kobudo weapon in hand? 

I understand tradition, I simply question the reasoning behind as I have mentionned, some style and schools have students starting with a weapon and take it from there. 

[Zaine]

1 hour ago, Revario said:

On the other hand, why would you want someone to specifically learn a style or method they have no interest in before going to what they have an interest in? I understand having a basic knowledge and understanding of how a body moves, knowing various schools of HEMA exists, why wouldn't someone be able to start learning with a Kobudo weapon in hand? 

For me, it's about trust. I start bo fairly early, but I need to know that my student is going to be responsible. Do they have awareness of their body? Are they mature enough not to joke around with a literal weapon? These are all considerations. Safety is a priority and insurance claims are not cheap.

I also think we can look at the demographics of Eastern martial arts and HEMA. Systems of karate have a very low barrier to entry. All you have to do is show up and pay some dues. Most schools seem to offer a gi with the first payment of dues. Furthermore, a lot of the revenue for Karate is seated in the youth classes. If we're apprehensive about handing an adult a weapon right away, then doing so with a child would be much worse. Because it is easier to have a homogenous curriculum so that one party doesn't become angry that the other is learning more, often times the difference in the content is small. You'll notice a difference in approach between these age groups, but they are generally taught everything in the same order. This simplifies a lot of the work that a dojo/dojang owner has to do, but admittedly doesn't allow for a lot of variance in those who are more interested in different aspects of martial arts.

HEMA, on the other hand, is mostly adults. The barrier to entry is much higher. Yes, clubs often have loaner equipment, but you're encouraged to purchase your own gear if you plan on coming for a prolonged period of time. You still have club due, of course, but even a cheap, good trainer (e.g. Feder) start in the $150 - $200 range, and you still have to buy the accoutrement. This means a mask, gloves, possibly a gorget, most clubs recommend a certain type of sole for your shoes, you need body protection, so at least a gambeson. The bill ads up, and while buying good quality gear will last you a long time if taken care of, you're still accepting a future in which everything needs to be replaced eventually. Few parents, who already have to deal with buying new clothes, shoes, etc. every time their child grows an inch, which is a lot, want to sign up for that kind of monetary commitment. It also works against HEMA that it is so connected to historical analysis. Often, HEMA benefits from you having some historical knowledge (which members of HEMA clubs are only too happy to teach you about) and not a small amount of picking up medieval texts and reading them, interpreting them, and then drilling them over and over again. Not a lot of kids are down for the rigors of HEMA, and that's fine, HEMA has an academic flavor to it that it really enjoys and I enjoy that aspect of training HEMA.

It just comes down to trust and confidence that your students are going to remain safe. When you have a bunch of adults, it's a lot easier to impress upon them the importance of not only being aware of yourself, but of your surroundings. Kids and teenagers usually build this awareness quickly as they progress, but lack the necessary maturity to handle a weapon upon joining a dojo/dojang. 

[bushido_man96]

On 8/25/2025 at 1:54 PM, Revario said:

On the other hand, why would you want someone to specifically learn a style or method they have no interest in before going to what they have an interest in? I understand having a basic knowledge and understanding of how a body moves, knowing various schools of HEMA exists, why wouldn't someone be able to start learning with a Kobudo weapon in hand? 

I understand tradition, I simply question the reasoning behind as I have mentionned, some style and schools have students starting with a weapon and take it from there.

It's really quite simply a matter of how the sensei teaching the curriculum wants to teach it.  Some are good with weapons first and only.  Some are not.  It could be that a sensei wants to see what kind of discipline and dedication the student is willing to put into training before putting a weapon in their hands that can become a dangerous force multiplier.

For others, it could simply be because that is the way it was when they learned it and that is the way they will do it.  They just follow the same method they learned.  I'm fortunate in that if I wanted to, I could just learn the weapons curriculum at the Aikido school I attend.  But it's only offered one day a week, unless the sensei chooses to do a weapons day during the other classes.

In the end, if your options are limited, you'll just have to make do.  Or don't.  Your choice.