My Aikido dojo is non-profit. So, it focuses on the art, as well as O-Sensei’s techniques and philosophy. Nonetheless, the dojo is a business. Even those, who work for non-profits, know that if profits aren’t a priority, you still have to make money. Therefore, our dojo’s goal–like many others–is to build its membership to be prosperous.
When Sensei Dan was around, people would stop by to watch the Aikido classes. Afterward, they would inquire with Sensei about possibly taking classes there. Sensei would graciously answer whatever questions they had.
Then Sensei would say, “You should look around at other dojos. See if Aikido is something you really want to do.” I would be there, standing by Sensei, overhearing their conversation. Even though I loved Sensei with all my heart, I would think, “WTF? Sensei, we need more members! You can’t be scaring folks away!” It became the running joke over the years. The other instructors and I witnessed this over and over, again. “If you want to get new members, don’t have Sensei talk with them,” we would say to each other. Really!
Eventually, I understood what Sensei truly meant to communicate: “I need to know that you’re dedicated.” Sensei taught Aikido for almost 50 years but charged nothing for it. He dedicated his life to Aikido and the principles of O-Sensei, truly believing in his heart that if everyone trained in Aikido, the world would be a better place.
Sensei saw people come and go over the years for one reason or another. From his perspective, he really didn’t care unless they did; he wasn’t beholding to promote anyone. After all, he received no compensation. That was also the beauty of it.
When I was Nidan, a 2nd-degree black belt, Sensei told me, “When you become Shodan (a 1st-degree black belt), you don’t know shit.” He was referring to those, who make black belt and leave the dojo. No, you don’t know much when you make Shodan. Yes, it’s a profound accomplishment. Making black belt, however, is just the beginning, an invitation into the mastery conversation.
When I made Shodan, I felt elated. Yet, I knew that I still had so much more to learn. I knew that I would have to “grind it out” to get anywhere, to be as good as Sensei. It was also clear that I had to ‘up my game’ when it came to listening to Sensei’s instruction: I had to listen from not knowing, from nothing.
I got that whatever I knew then was useful, but it was not the ‘real deal’. Both, humbled and excited, I realized I would have to start from zero all over again. That was OK, though. The journey ahead was what was important. So, when a possible student answered yes to the real question (“Is this really something I want to do?), Sensei knew it was on!
Sensei would do his absolute best to make you greater than you ever knew yourself to be. And if it so happened that you made black belt he’d say, “I didn’t do anything. You did it.” That’s mastery, as well.
Mastery is a two-way street. The Master will give his all–mind, body, and spirit–in the hopes that you discover your own ‘greater than’ within. If Sensei is willing to bestow that gift, he or she wants to know your commitment to receiving it.
A true student must show they are dedicated and willing to endure. They must keep trying, even when they fail or get spoken to, loudly. The journey of mastery is an internal one of surrender–heart and soul. This doesn’t just go for the martial arts, though. It goes for whatever you choose to pursue.
Mastery is about the love, absolutely. Yet, you must dedicate yourself to enduring and be willing to reinvent yourself with the guidance of your Master, your Sensei. Have faith that Sensei recognizes the ‘greater than’ within you. All you have to do is listen, grind it out, and just train. Simple, but not easy. Yet, you dedicate your life in doing so.
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