Gift for Sensei?

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[Unregistered]

Hello everyone,

I will soon be leaving my current dojo to train at a different dojo within the same organization. I know that sometimes uchideshi will leave an orei when leaving their dojo. I am not an uchideshi, just a regular student. I would like to get something for Sensei but I do not want it to seem that I am "kissing up." Would it be inappropriate for me to give a gift of gratitude? Would I be overstepping my bounds?

[rachmass]

Hi anon,

If you feel you want to give a gift a gratitude, then by all means do so! Don't know why it would be perceived as "kissing up" especially when it is given from the heart.

Best wishes in your travels!

Rachel

[John Boswell]

A gift certificate to Bu Jin might be nice? ;)

Oh wait... I'm not a Sensei. :(

*sigh*

[JMCavazos]

How about a heartfelt "Thank You for what you have taught me", and take him/her out to dinner?

As an instructor, it is nice to have someone thank you for what they have learned. It is disheartening to an instructor when a student just stops showing up, without an explanation of how or why. It is common courtesy to let the instructor know that you are leaving.

Just your heartfelt appreciation and your honesty should be enough.

[PRapoza]

It's nice to leave something. A small token of appreciation. It's tradition in Japan. When arriving and departing. Doesn't have to be anything big or expensive. I once received chopsticks as a going away gift from a friend in Japan. They probably cost one ot two dollars but he got them from a special shrine. Gifts are always a nice gesture but not neccesary. Unless your in Japan.

___________

Paul

[JJF]

Dinner at a very fashinable restaurant, a brand new stereo or a widescreen TV is kissing up :D. A homecooked meal, a small personal gift such as a homemade card or a picture of you an your sensei is a nice gesture and a token of your apreciation and gratitude. Follow your heart and do what you think is in place.