Please don't call me Sensei

Ages ago Tai Chi Chuan was renowned as the “Supreme Ultimate Fist” or the best of all martial arts. Tai Chi masters seemed to have magical powers, overcoming hard force with the lightest touch to throw their students and opponents across the room.

In one story the Japanese Emperor sent a famous Judoka to China to fight the Tai Chi master Sun Lutang. Nicknamed “The Iron Monkey”, Mr. Sun reluctantly accepted the challenge, even agreeing to lie on his back, one arm behind him and the other locked in the Judoka’s grip with the opponent’s students holding down his feet. At the count of three, Mr. Sun swiftly struck with his “free” hand, releasing the Judoka's grip on his other arm. Hopping up, he delivered a few more feather-soft strikes and the Judoka surrendered. (A Study of Taijiquan by Sun Lutang, translated by Tim Cartmell, p.28-30)

With such legends to precede them, some modern Tai Chi teachers expect honorifics, absolute loyalty and infinite patience as they listen to themselves talk.

As for this Qigong and Tai Chi instructor, please don’t call me Sensei.

1. Tai Chi is Chinese, and the Chinese word for a teacher is “Sifu” (see-foo). “Sensei” is a Japanese word meaning “teacher/master”. “Sensei” also has countless connotations, some good, some bad, thanks to many fine martial arts movies such as the Karate Kid franchise and Napoleon Dynamite.

2. The Tai Chi for Health programs are a modernized form of Tai Chi, supported by the latest medical research, and informed with the values of “safety, effectiveness and accessibility.” Tai Chi for Health instructors aren’t going to throw you across the room, waste your time with lectures, or deny you instruction for being who you are. Respecting your physical and psychological integrity is the first priority.

3. We are collaborators, supporting each other as we improve our health and have some fun along the way. If you must, think of this tai chi teacher as the “first among equals”, simply because I’m the one in the front of the room, leading the class. But you could be up there too, I'm sure of it, with practice and instructor training: Tai Chi for Health Instructor Certification Workshops.

So please don’t call me Sensei. My name’s Johnny, and it is my humble honor to share Qigong and Tai Chi with YOU!