Good Sensei; Bad Sensei.

So we've all seen the 1980's movie "The Karate Kid" right, with  Danial LaRusso, Kesuke Miyagi and John Kreese. But have you really thought about the contrast between Mr. Miyagi and Mr. Kreese? And how many have met a Miyagi or a Kreese figure in their martial arts studies... or even in life? I think I would be comfortable enough to say that everyone has.

Last year, I began studying a different style at a new Dojo. I really enjoy studying martial arts, and it takes a lot for me to loose a desire to study. I really enjoy my new Sensei and her teaching method. However, she has an assistant instructor who I would describe as a John Kreese. He is extremely cocky and arrogant. Though he is very good with his technique, kata and sparing. In my opinion, this guy lacks the fundamental understanding of what karate is.

Karate can be seen as a study of war and fighting, yes. But as many of the masters have explained, Karate is to defend if necessary.

The other day, this assistant instructor explained while the Sensei was out of the room that if he is acting like a jerk(he used more colorful words), not to take it personal, but that it was his job to do so. That boiled my blood... How can anyone say, as a teacher, that their job is to be a jerk... Maybe if you are teaching the art of being a jerk, then I can see this being legitimate. However, the way I see it, being a jerk also makes for being a incompetent teacher. When you are full of yourself, you leave no room for anyone else. How can you care about your students and their success if you simply focus on how "you're boss", born to be the next Bruce Lee.

I wanted to call him out on it. I had never had a Martial Arts teacher who was a jerk like this, I believe it is unnecessary. If I wanted to be jerked around, I would have joined the military. I joined the Dojo because I wanted to learn a new style, and tradition.

He has since been a jerk, however, I have not let that destroy my desire to learn, because he is only the assistant instructor, and I am learning from the instructor.

This assistant instructor is also an instructor at another Dojo. And he still has students. In my mind I don't fully grasp what would make want to continue to study under someone who is so narcissistic.

I guess that for some, to learn from a John Kreese is the experience they are looking for.I personally enjoy the masters like Kesuke Miyagi.

So what makes a good Sensei or a bad Sensei? It may just boil down to individual preference. Some people need the push from a jerk to get them going, others can be successful all on their own.

What kind of instructor do you prefer?