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**xIuvyAuT** · 10-11-2009, 08:25 AM

The correct way to admit that you don't have a good reason for doing something is to say "try it for a while and see".

I don't disagree that this is a better way to think of it but I do worry that it's not always the best way to say it. I'm not sure I can explain my thoughts well but I'll try.

My concern is, as you already pointed out, western students tend to take "because I said so" as a sort of challenge and saying things in another way might defuse this behavioral tendency. However, the sensei shouldn't have to explain things simply because a student demands it. In martial arts, the eastern mindset that expects one to practice until understanding comes, is more useful. Oftentimes there simply is no foundation for the student to understand the explanation or even attempting to put the explanation into words will almost certainly be more confusing, like trying to explain color to a blind man. The student has to have a certain amount of experience before he can grasp the concept intellectually. My concern is that catering to a western idea that students have a right to continually question the sensei does not belong in a pursuit of the martial arts. This is the kind of thinking that is more applicable to intellectual pursuits like the sciences. I also tend to resent the excessive political correctness of modern society and I think people need to hear "no" or "shut up and practice" more often because otherwise they would tend to take too much liberty with the sensei's time.

10-11-2009, 08:25 AM	#20
xIuvyAuT Join Date Nov 2005 Posts 550 Senior Member	The correct way to admit that you don't have a good reason for doing something is to say "try it for a while and see". I don't disagree that this is a better way to think of it but I do worry that it's not always the best way to say it. I'm not sure I can explain my thoughts well but I'll try. My concern is, as you already pointed out, western students tend to take "because I said so" as a sort of challenge and saying things in another way might defuse this behavioral tendency. However, the sensei shouldn't have to explain things simply because a student demands it. In martial arts, the eastern mindset that expects one to practice until understanding comes, is more useful. Oftentimes there simply is no foundation for the student to understand the explanation or even attempting to put the explanation into words will almost certainly be more confusing, like trying to explain color to a blind man. The student has to have a certain amount of experience before he can grasp the concept intellectually. My concern is that catering to a western idea that students have a right to continually question the sensei does not belong in a pursuit of the martial arts. This is the kind of thinking that is more applicable to intellectual pursuits like the sciences. I also tend to resent the excessive political correctness of modern society and I think people need to hear "no" or "shut up and practice" more often because otherwise they would tend to take too much liberty with the sensei's time.
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