I have seen this first hand once and can understand some situations. We had testing and one of the senior instructors was up in the viewing area eating or she just finished eating and the school owner called her down to ether demo a form or do her form with a another student as a shadow, and she just shook her head no! So I can see how things can happen.

I guess I think the student you refer to should not have even made it that far in rank. Also, it makes me wonder why she is even there and is another case of coddling and hand holding, of compromising the Martial Arts? I often wonder why attitudes like this go un checked. This isn’t a control thing for me but a respect thing. If a student acts like this there is a break down in communication some ware.

Martial Arts is a journey, a way of life, not just a thing too do or a place too go. As an instructor your job is to help mold a student and to help them on there journey and help them develop themselves but not be a babysitter. On the students part, there job is to be a receptor and to welcome the guidance of the instructor. If one doesn’t like the guidance of the instructor then it is time to leave and to find someone that you want to help you on you journey.

Interesting discussion...and timely. Up until last night, I've never considered saying 'no' to instruction. Last night I did. I did so with respect, and some humour...but I was definitely trying to 'get out of it'.

Guess what? I still had to do the technique.

that'll learn ya!

Like you, I had never said "no" to a sensei before. It just didn't occurr to me that this was a possible way out.

However, I injured myself fairly badly this Spring and had no choice about what I could/could not do in class. In this case, I hobbled into the dojo & told my Sensei before the warm-up what I was not able to do. He ignored my limitations (that's my Sensei for ya' ) and expected me to keep up with everyone. If he asked me why I wasn't doing a particular technique, I had to say: "I can't because of my injury." My Sensei didn't give me the "look" of disapproval, nor was he overly sympathetic, but this is an example of saying "no", with a justifiable reason (in my mind anyway!) behind it.

Now I have to make sure I don't abuse that little excuse if I'm asked to do something I don't want to...

Hello Senseihonor:

<<Well said.

<quiet self-amused laughter> Once in a ~blue moon~ I get something right.... every so often .

Here IS a perfect opportunity to speak with your instructor DIRECTLY and explain you misgivings... ask him/her what your role SHOULD be, and explain what you wanted to do in that situation....

Its the perfect time for communication
Jeff

Hello Senseihonor:

It is a difficult job that is for sure!
Be well,

J

I'm new(ish) to teaching and so far have mostly been assisting my sensei in class.

Then it's up to the owner to care for matters like you have stated. Your just a teacher and they are his customers..$$$$$$.... let him deal with unrully students, that is unless he gives you thumbs up to dicipline at your discression.

<<unless he gives you thumbs up to dicipline at your discression.>>

I think this is always a good point to clarify with the Sensei - *before* class.

In this case, the lesson was reinforced for me because I've had a chance to rabbit on about it in this forum.

Senseihonor,

so did she ever pass her grading?