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The following article appeared in the July 2007 Issue of Seiryu (Volume VI,
Issue III)
The Role of Dojo Cho in the Jinenkan
From the very beginning of the Jinenkan, a mystique has surrounded the
individuals who had attained the position of Dojo Cho. I’d like to take the
opportunity to dispel some of that mystery if I can.
Despite what some people think, being a Dojo Cho is not just about running our
own training groups, wearing a black and white keikogi, and acting as Sensei’s uke
at seminars. There are many more responsibilities and expectations laid upon us
by Sensei than many might expect, many which have significant impact upon our
own training and private lives. Requesting the honor of being a Dojo Cho is a
decision that should not be taken lightly. Sensei has very high expectations for
those he grants Dojo Cho license to. Primarily, it means that the candidate can
expect to sacrifice a large portion of their own training time to dedicate themselves
to the proper instruction of those students who rely on them for guidance. A fellow
Dojo Cho recently said to me that if he used the time he spent teaching to pursue
his own training he would be a hachidan by now. I don’t know if that is the case,
but it certainly emphasizes the point that the time you receive from your Dojo Cho
is not given in his free time, but is given in lieu of a portion of their own training. It
is important to understand we are all dedicated to the proper instruction of all
Jinenkan members, not just our own students. You should never be intimidated by
a Dojo Cho or hesitate to ask us questions. It is our responsibility to Sensei to
faithfully instruct Jinenkan members in Sensei’s teachings and it is our pleasure to
help you in your training.
Second, being a Dojo Cho means taking responsibility for our own behavior and
that of our fellow members, and to guard against anything that would harm the
reputation of the organization or Sensei. This is a difficult task that is made harder
by the increasing size of the organization as well as the ever increasing avenues
by which people access martial arts information. It is also difficult in that we are
required to police and advise our peers and friends on their behavior. Those of
you who have had the unenviable task of having to tell a brother, uncle or even a
parent when their actions are inappropriate or harmful will understand how
awkward and uncomfortable this position can sometimes be. This is not a part of
the job that we enjoy, but one we take very, very seriously.
Third, being a Dojo Cho also requires that they work hard to grow the Jinenkan
and foster the close and family feeling Sensei desires This may be done by
offering training seminars, lectures and embu, inviting our fellow Dojo Cho to our
teach at our dojo, and by creating avenues to reach new students and spread
Sensei’s teachings. It is though our actions and examples that our students learn
proper behavior within the organization. When we act in such a way to create
friendships and bonds with other members, regardless of rank, that the Jinenkan
grows stronger and the seeds of family are sown.
Fourth one of the main responsibilities of a Dojo Cho is to teach Jinenkan members
how act when in Sensei’s presence or when we interact with the Honbu in any way.
We all belong to a Japanese martial arts organization, and understanding and
compliance with Japanese etiquette is an important to aspect our training. This is a
critical job for us, and quite difficult, as this does not only address how to bow and
move properly in a dojo setting, but how to carry and handle weapons
appropriately; how to address Sensei, sempai and kohai respectfully; how to act in
front of Sensei in social settings, and many other things.
Finally, but not unimportantly, is the directive that we continue our own training.
This is frequently difficult for us, since in order to develop our skills to a higher
level, we frequently nee to be challenged by opponents at or near our own skill
levels. For many of us such opportunities are not frequent enough, and our
training suffers for it. If you have the opportunity to offer yourself up for training to
your Dojo Cho, do so with the best of your abilities so as to try to challenge them
and help their own training.
Sensei is only one person, he has chosen the Dojo Cho to act as his ambassadors
to spread his teachings, grow his organization and protect what he has worked so
hard to build. It is a big responsibility to take on, but one that we gladly accept out
of respect and love for Sensei. I hope that this information sheds some light on the
position of Dojo Cho, and helps you better understand some of our motivations,
goals, and what is expected of us by Sensei.
Issue III)
The Role of Dojo Cho in the Jinenkan
From the very beginning of the Jinenkan, a mystique has surrounded the
individuals who had attained the position of Dojo Cho. I’d like to take the
opportunity to dispel some of that mystery if I can.
Despite what some people think, being a Dojo Cho is not just about running our
own training groups, wearing a black and white keikogi, and acting as Sensei’s uke
at seminars. There are many more responsibilities and expectations laid upon us
by Sensei than many might expect, many which have significant impact upon our
own training and private lives. Requesting the honor of being a Dojo Cho is a
decision that should not be taken lightly. Sensei has very high expectations for
those he grants Dojo Cho license to. Primarily, it means that the candidate can
expect to sacrifice a large portion of their own training time to dedicate themselves
to the proper instruction of those students who rely on them for guidance. A fellow
Dojo Cho recently said to me that if he used the time he spent teaching to pursue
his own training he would be a hachidan by now. I don’t know if that is the case,
but it certainly emphasizes the point that the time you receive from your Dojo Cho
is not given in his free time, but is given in lieu of a portion of their own training. It
is important to understand we are all dedicated to the proper instruction of all
Jinenkan members, not just our own students. You should never be intimidated by
a Dojo Cho or hesitate to ask us questions. It is our responsibility to Sensei to
faithfully instruct Jinenkan members in Sensei’s teachings and it is our pleasure to
help you in your training.
Second, being a Dojo Cho means taking responsibility for our own behavior and
that of our fellow members, and to guard against anything that would harm the
reputation of the organization or Sensei. This is a difficult task that is made harder
by the increasing size of the organization as well as the ever increasing avenues
by which people access martial arts information. It is also difficult in that we are
required to police and advise our peers and friends on their behavior. Those of
you who have had the unenviable task of having to tell a brother, uncle or even a
parent when their actions are inappropriate or harmful will understand how
awkward and uncomfortable this position can sometimes be. This is not a part of
the job that we enjoy, but one we take very, very seriously.
Third, being a Dojo Cho also requires that they work hard to grow the Jinenkan
and foster the close and family feeling Sensei desires This may be done by
offering training seminars, lectures and embu, inviting our fellow Dojo Cho to our
teach at our dojo, and by creating avenues to reach new students and spread
Sensei’s teachings. It is though our actions and examples that our students learn
proper behavior within the organization. When we act in such a way to create
friendships and bonds with other members, regardless of rank, that the Jinenkan
grows stronger and the seeds of family are sown.
Fourth one of the main responsibilities of a Dojo Cho is to teach Jinenkan members
how act when in Sensei’s presence or when we interact with the Honbu in any way.
We all belong to a Japanese martial arts organization, and understanding and
compliance with Japanese etiquette is an important to aspect our training. This is a
critical job for us, and quite difficult, as this does not only address how to bow and
move properly in a dojo setting, but how to carry and handle weapons
appropriately; how to address Sensei, sempai and kohai respectfully; how to act in
front of Sensei in social settings, and many other things.
Finally, but not unimportantly, is the directive that we continue our own training.
This is frequently difficult for us, since in order to develop our skills to a higher
level, we frequently nee to be challenged by opponents at or near our own skill
levels. For many of us such opportunities are not frequent enough, and our
training suffers for it. If you have the opportunity to offer yourself up for training to
your Dojo Cho, do so with the best of your abilities so as to try to challenge them
and help their own training.
Sensei is only one person, he has chosen the Dojo Cho to act as his ambassadors
to spread his teachings, grow his organization and protect what he has worked so
hard to build. It is a big responsibility to take on, but one that we gladly accept out
of respect and love for Sensei. I hope that this information sheds some light on the
position of Dojo Cho, and helps you better understand some of our motivations,
goals, and what is expected of us by Sensei.
