Teacher Respect vs Worship.

In any sport, subject, and especially martial arts teachers are paramount in a students long term development. A teacher’s behaviour, teaching methods and dedication will often rub off on a student who is trying to learn the martial art. As such, it is imperative that teachers do not abuse their position of authority and students need to understand that they should ask questions during classes if they are uncertain and not swallow everything the teacher tells them.

In the context of abuse, a teacher who realises a student worships him and is unquestionably in awe of him or her is in a position of great influence and power. It is here that the student is incredibly vulnerable. Martial arts occupies a space much like religion, where the teacher has his/her followers and instructs them in ways of philosophy and the martial arts. Fortunately however this is where the similarities end. In religion, ones belief ties them to God and omnipotent being that, whose works are often unworldly. The teacher however is but a human being just like the students themselves. And while the teacher’s words can be taken as law in the dojo or school, outside of it things must resume as they were in a contextual sense. While some may argue that what they learnt in martial arts ultimately influenced their perceptions of life and how they lived theirs, I am arguing that there must be adequate separation.

In a few cases students who worshiped their teachers were often taken advantage of and it then changes the dynamics of a student teacher relationship. It must be remembered that the teacher needs the student as much as the student needs the teacher. A student owes nothing to the school because martial arts must be learnt and taught voluntarily. A student from an economics standpoint, pays his fees, respects and is loyal to his teacher and that is all that should be expected of this relationship. Outside of the dojo, a relationship amongst equals can be pursued where in one context we can illustrate this by saying “my teacher is also my drinking buddy who gets as drunk as i do!”

Here is a quick summary.

Teacher Worship -
1) I don’t question my teacher at all
2) The fact that i get to train here is a great honor
3) My teacher gives me advice  about my profession. I take it to heart
4) I do everything my teacher asks of me, no questions asked.

Teacher respect -
1) I question my teacher when I am unsure
2) I am happy to train here.
3) I listen to my teacher’s advice about my profession where applicable. However, i  always remember that I am a trained Doctor and he isn’t.
4) I try to help where i can and if it does not jeopardize my priorities.

There are lots of differences and similarities too in the approach. But at the end of the day its a two way understanding.

As for me, the only form of worship should be in places of worship. A dojo is not a place of worship. If it becomes one you should seriously start considering your options and walk away.

Osu.

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