The 10 Martial Arts Seminar Commandments*
- You’ve not only paid good money to attend this seminar but also taken precious time off work to do so. This is your choice. Do not waste this opportunity.
- Sensei are taking time out of their busy schedules and their many students to teach us. Us. Please be respectful of this.
- Prepare for the rigours of daily training months in advance. If it feels like it’s a marathon that’s because it is. Come rested but prepared.
- Get a few good nights sleep during the seminar. NOT the vodka-induced comatose type. You are not Sensei so do not pretend to have super powers.
- Attend every class. There will only be two reasons acceptable for missing any class: one involves emergency surgery and the other something to do with going to Villawood. There are no excuses for slacking.
- Using sharpened elbows, push you way to the front to be under Sensei’s critical gaze. So you get picked on in front of the entire hall? So what? Suck it up! Let him see how bad you are so Sensei can fix it. Do not hide at the back.
- When Sensei are talking or demonstrating, hang off every word and watch every nuance of movement. Not that crack in the floorboard, or how bad that guy from NSW smells or sizing up your possible opponents in the comps. Pay 100% attention.
- Unless you are asked, don’t teach. You’ll be asked if Sensei wishes to use you as a model – for good or bad. You are here to learn, not teach.
- One in millions might have a total-recall memory. You probably do not so be prepared to take notes. As sure as eggs are eggs you will need to refer to them when you get back to your Dojo. Write the important bits down.
- Finally, despite your best endeavours, be prepared to jump at least a level by the end of the seminar. At least. Then spend the next 6 months consolidating this so as not to slip back into bad habits. Don’t waste all your hard work by slipping back.
With thanks to “Unka” Kim Taylor of Canada
