Comments on The Jiu-Jitsu Fighter: Our Sensei

Well said, Gina. Conan "The Dorky Guy"

2011-06-15T13:12:29.296-05:00

Well said, Gina.

Conan "The Dorky Guy"

I don't understand why you are so concerned wi...

2011-06-15T13:00:34.432-05:00

I don't understand why you are so concerned with how we treat or refer to our teachers, we aren't asking you to do so. We are a traditional dojo, so we try to follow Eastern philosophies to a point.

Those weren't my words you quoted. Perhaps I was being melodramatic, but if you trained with us you would know that no "Sensei worship" takes place, which is what you seem to be implying. I don't idolize Conan at all. As a matter of fact, I frequently tell him what an old, boring, stupid, dork he is. That doesn't mean that I don't still greatly appreciate all he has gone through to learn the art that he is teaching me, and want to show him my appreciation. I never expected that would bother some Anonymous Person so much.

"He said that you never really know all of th...

2011-06-15T10:16:06.961-05:00

"He said that you never really know all of the things that they had to go through to earn the knowledge that they are sharing with you. You don’t know all of the injuries that they have sustained, all of the time taken away from their families, all of the pain that they have endured."

I don't think I misunderstand: you're just being melodramatic. The above lines make it sound like the man survived a war while all he did was practice a hobby for christ's sake. I'm all for respect but too much is too much and the eastern concept of idolizing one's teacher is contrary to western notions of equality and mutual respect. Surely you would never speak about lets say a basketball coach that way, even if he did it for free.

Anonymous, I think you are missing the point. I&#...

2011-05-01T21:52:44.137-05:00

Anonymous, I think you are missing the point. I'm not saying learning a martial art is any more difficult or dangerous than anything else. You should be thankful to anyone who has taken time to teach you anything, whether it is even physical at all.

The Sensei at our school receive no monetary compensation for their teaching, so for them to spend so much of their time away from their families, or perhaps furthering their careers, is a sacrifice. Of course they don't do so for any other reason than that they love the art, and teaching it.

Speaking specifically about Conan, all of his students are grateful to him for the exact reasons you mention: his willingness to share his knowledge, his impeccable character, his open mindedness, and the way he treats everyone (whether they are his student or not).

I just think it's a good idea to let him know every once in awhile that we appreciate him.

I'm more grateful for my teacher's willing...

2011-05-01T13:26:35.352-05:00

I'm more grateful for my teacher's willingness to share his knowledge and how he treats me than the years it took to acquire: if his experience is anything like mine it must have been a very fun and rewarding time so I highly doubt it was a sacrifice on his part. If you don't like JJ don't do it, if you don't like to teach then don't: you shouldn't expect anything beyond the satisfaction of learning and teaching others otherwise you're debasing the experience by looking at it as something that needs to yield. What I respect about my sensei is his character and his openmindedness about life and other arts, all the rest is secondary.

I don't really get this sentimentality about 'how hard the path was': truly there are a lot more dangerous, physically exhausting and painful activities out there than doing what you love and as far as injuries go there's always a certain risk in any type of sports involving contact so I don't really see how practicing a martial art is any different. It's part of the game, no more no less.

Great post, Conan's dedication truly has made ...

2009-12-03T23:40:58.301-06:00

Great post, Conan's dedication truly has made the jiu jitsu class what it is.

Thank you, Gina, Aaron and Allie. I am humbled.

2009-12-01T18:32:46.954-06:00

Thank you, Gina, Aaron and Allie. I am humbled.

Well said Gina, I couldn't agree more. Conan,...

2009-12-01T15:11:24.644-06:00

Well said Gina, I couldn't agree more. Conan, you are truly "The Man!"

Excellent post. They do give a lot!!

2009-12-01T14:52:23.085-06:00

Excellent post. They do give a lot!!