“Practice does not make perfect- perfect practice makes perfect.” This is what my Sensei Always say to the class.
The predominate teaching philosophy in classical Japanese kendo is that the students will learn everything by watching their seniors. The teacher does not speak or explain anything but rarely. The student is to learn through imitation of the sensei. Through this contact with the manners and conduct of the seniors and understanding would come in proper behavior and conduct. In the old days this was fine because students never left their dojo and trained anywhere else until they were quite advanced. Many of the tenants and customs were learned at home because they were part of Japanese culture. As society changes, so have some of the reigi, but it is still just as important. Today this is not so much in evidence as many Japanese sensei have changed to more modern methods because of todays life style.
It is not uncommon nowadays for a student of very little experience to go off and visit other dojos. These people in turn reflect upon their home dojo and Sensei by their behavior. Because of this interaction we cannot wait for osmosis, we must tell each student.
A very clear relationship of seniority exists within any kendo club or school. This relationship is the sensei-sempai-kohai chain of command. If this relationship does not exist the school or club is headed for disaster. The kohai is the junior student, the sempai is the senior student and the sensei is the overall leader and teacher. Through this chain of command it is the responsibility of each student towards their juniors to see that they turn out well. This gives the dojo a continuity of flow and each person knows what is expected and how to act. In so doing there is a chain of command through which the dojo can work and act.
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