Ten Things You Should Know About Your Judo Teacher

By Neil Ohlenkamp

1. Your sensei loves Judo. This is the reason he or she wants to practice and teach.
2. Your sensei wants to share Judo with everyone. It is a valuable gift that should be shared.
3. Your sensei knows that Judo is not easy to learn. It takes hard work and a considerable amount of time. Your sensei has been through this training and understands the commitment needed. Your sensei wants you to endeavor to be, and eventually be, better than him or her.
4. Your sensei wants the training to be safe. Because there are inherent risks in Judo practice, all students must put safety above all other short-term goals.
5. You are important to the sensei. There would be no Judo without students of all levels, and every student is important. This is part of the Judo principle of mutual welfare and benefit.
6. Your sensei can be trusted to guide your instruction. Your sensei carefully prepares lessons and will make adjustments for individual and class performance levels. However, in the beginning everything may not be clear to you, so patience is required.
7. Since your sensei wants to improve, he or she benefits from having the opportunity to practice Judo with you. One of the goals of Judo is to continuously strive to perfect yourself so that you can contribute something of value to the world. If you are having difficulty in class, or thinking of quitting, discuss it with your sensei so that he or she can learn from your point of view.
8. Your sensei wants you to study Judo outside of class. The more you read, practice, and learn on your own, the more valuable your class time will be. Keep yourself physically fit with additional conditioning outside of class.
9. Your sensei needs your help. Your class will benefit from helping other students along, caring for the mats, assisting with tournaments, etc.
10. For your sensei, Judo is a way of life.

Jigoro Kano teaching Judo