Selecting A Dojo

by Sean Wong

This is a tough question to answer because the dojo can offer so many things to so many people. Some people look for spiritual enlightenment, while others look for a dojo to fulfill their exercise needs, others still look for self-defense instruction. Karate can help people who have a broad spectrum of needs, yet all Traditional Karate dojos must offer both Kata, some sort of combative practice, and a safe learning environment. So what should you look for?

After observing many great dojos, I realize that this achievement is a result of having great Senseis. In every type of dojo, whether they are commercial or private; in every system, whether Japanese, Okinawan, or American; or in every focus whether, sport, self-defense, or cultural, there are great Senseis, mediocre Senseis, and unworthy Senseis. This certainly doesn’t mean that a great Sensei is perfect, but they have certain traits which allow them to bring the best out of the athletes. Here are some of traits that I have found in common with some of the great Senseis I know.

Passion For Karate
They love everything Karate (or their chosen discipline). They could watch hours of it a day, they follow it on the internet, their friends are karate people, and they even write about it. Their passion for the art comes out when they teach.

People Person
They truly want to help others and enjoy being around others. Even though they hold a strict authoritative role, they know that their place in the world is no different than any other person in the dojo. They also recognize their position in the dojo and do their best to preserve the image of Sensei.

Continual Learning
I am always amazed at lengths that some Senseis go to continually improve themselves. Whether they start to learn a new language, a new martial art, or even take on new responsibilities, their cup seems to be perpetually empty. These individuals bring new perspective to their lesson planning.

Humility To Change
The humility to admit ones error and make changes is a necessary lesson learned. Great Senseis know when to admit defeat and when not to repeat mistakes. They stay accountable for their actions and learn from their misfortunes.

Provider To Students
Great Senseis provide the best they can afford for their students. Whether if it be time, opportunity, or equipment, great Senseis do everything within their means to bring the best out of their athletes. Great Senseis teach Karate for the sole benefit of their students and want them to be safe and have a good life in the future.

Run a Tight Ship
Great Senseis know that they are middlemen for the landlord, bankers, utility providers, and the tax man. Even though they could teach for the pure love of the art, they know that one must submit to certain realities in order to continue serving their community. Great Senseis have sound business skills.

Discipline
Running a dojo means long hours and sometimes little pay. Great Senseis have a strong work ethic and keep their emotions in check.

Driven
Great Senseis know they are not perfect but the strive for perfection drives their passion. They know that falling off a bike is just another reason to get back on. Mistakes are human and lessons in disguise. They never give up on their goal.

Vision
Great Senseis have vision. When in comes to the martial arts, they see things on a different paradigm and thus creative in making their vision come true.

Intelligence
Whether it is expressed through logic or creativity, a great Sensei questions everything in an effort to find a solution to a problem or an improvement.

Focus
Great Senseis seem to be able to put all of their energies into one task at a time with very little distraction and finish with good results. For example, the founder of my chosen Karate kaiha (school/association) was great in Judo, Karate, Piano, and Shodou.

Qualified
Great Senseis always come with great credentials. Whether you chose a sporting dojo, a traditional one, or practical, if the Sensei is great, out of pride so will his or her credentials. Credentials include coaching education, testimonials, first aid, CPR, teaching experience, and his or her Sensei. Believe it or not however, rank in North America doesn’t mean much. Unless you are deeply embedded in the Karate world to understand its complex politics, I wouldn’t pay much attention to rank.

Positive Attitude
I have saved the most important one for last. I have found that great Senseis have a remarkably infectious positive attitude. They remain calm under stress and make people feel at ease.

I haven’t yet met a Sensei with every trait but I know that the great ones at least try develop as many of them habitually as possible.