Teacher Question

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[trademark8806]

I was wondering is the Techer ( sinisay) "human" in that he is able to be talked to to is he more like a poffser whom you jsut do as they say?

[Janet Rosen]

I don't know what a poffser is. But dojos vary in how formal they are. In some, it is fine to ask questions or to engage the sensei in a conversation before or after class. Sometimes you will find a dojo that is more rigid where you are expected to learn what is expected of you by watching and talking to your sempai (senior students).

[MikeLogan]

I'm sorry, was that police officer, "poffser"? Yes, teachers are human, some humans don't like to be talked to, and prefer to have the authority of poffsers. You should be a writer, your books would be thoroughly engaging... :) (mostly serious) ;)

[Stefan Stenudd]

I was wondering is the Techer ( sinisay) "human" in that he is able to be talked to to is he more like a poffser whom you jsut do as they say?
I guess you're asking if a student can ask questions to the teacher (sensei) or just should shut up and listen, like some professors demand.

Well, some aikido teachers demand silence. In Japan it is traditionally so that you just shut up and try to do what the teacher shows you.
But some teachers accept that the students ask questions, as long as it does not interrupt the teaching process.
There's little room for debate, though...

Usually, questions are not allowed when all the students sit down and look at the teacher's instructions. But when the teacher walks around among the students to teach individuals, then those individuals are free to ask questions.

Again, it differs from teacher to teacher, and dojo to dojo.

[Randy Sexton]

May I suggest you watch what the other students do and follow their example at least in tthe begining. As you observe how the Sensei and the students communicate you will get a sense of what the protocol is in your Dojo.
I have found most Sensei are good people who are there to teach because they love the art and wish to pass it on. Be sensitive and thoughtful and you won't go wrong. Be patient with them and yourself.

Doc

[Tinyboy344]

I was wondering is the Techer ( sinisay) "human" in that he is able to be talked to to is he more like a poffser whom you jsut do as they say?

Both of your sensei(s) are very cool and I'm pretty darn sure, the last time I saw them, they were pretty human to me :D

I've trained with a few instructors and I always pay my most respect but have never worshipped any of them.

[SeiserL]

Aikido of Rosmoor, Seal Beach, CA is AWA under Sensei Andy Sato? Right?

He is a very human and humble man. Very approachable.

He is also excellent in aikido.

Do what he tells you do when he demonstrates, politely ask questions as he circulates, enjoy him off the mat.

[trademark8806]

I'm sorry, was that police officer, "poffser"? Yes, teachers are human, some humans don't like to be talked to, and prefer to have the authority of poffsers. You should be a writer, your books would be thoroughly engaging... :) (mostly serious) ;)

Are you saying a should be writer for what reson ? Also, no sorry , I was trying to refer to a techer in Colloge, but officaly spelt it worng sorry. Excuse , but I do have some LD's that make it hard ot spell.

[trademark8806]

Aikido of Rosmoor, Seal Beach, CA is AWA under Sensei Andy Sato? Right?

He is a very human and humble man. Very approachable.

He is also excellent in aikido.

Do what he tells you do when he demonstrates, politely ask questions as he circulates, enjoy him off the mat.
Your are kida right he dose not actuly lead our class all the time. I have meat him once thow. He sort scares me, but your suposed to do more with him like bowing and edquet I do not yet understand. Thnkyou for the info sir.

[trademark8806]

Thankyou all for your information.

[Janet Rosen]

Tara, good luck in your training - it sounds like you found a good dojo.

[Phil Van Treese]

I encourage my students to ask questions. If they don't ask, I won't know whether or not they understand what is being taught. Follow the rules of the dojo that you are in. Personally, I get irritated when no one asks a question and then they do the technique wrong. You have to ask questions if you don't understand, even if you have to as a senior student.

[Phil Van Treese]

Used the wrong icon there. Should have been

[Nick]

While there is certainly a time when it is beneficial to "shut up and train", in my opinion a teacher that can't or won't field questions from his students is a bad teacher. Doing it "because they say so" only goes so far. All of the best teachers I've had in any subject, martial or otherwise, have been such because they're willing to entertain "dumb" questions and make the material understandable to me, the inept student.