Talk Less. Do More.

Talk Less. Do More.

In the dojo, we often make the point that there is only ever one instructor on the mat. It is never appropriate to offer your own instruction, unless directed by the instructor of the class (or if your partner is unknowingly doing something unsafe). Keeping that in mind, there is also an etiquette when receiving instruction. In simple terms, the only correct response when being instructed is, “Yes Sensei”. It is not the time to explain what you were trying to do, or that you were trying to do what sensei is telling you to do – the reason that Sensei is instructing you is that you were not doing it. In addition, it is not appropriate to ask anything but simple questions if you do not understand the instruction. Do not ask “what-if” questions; do not question the validity of Sensei’s comments, or the technique. This keeps the flow of class and minimizes any confusion that other students may have. Trust that Sensei has a plan for the direction of the lesson and follow that plan.