The Traditional Silent Sensei

You have heard all the stories about the Asian Sensei who seldom say a word, often give no hints and when a slight hint is given it is often a slight nod of the head or a terse comment such as "you ok, do basics again," or some such white-hair long-white-beard sage like slight verbal or physical "hint." Otherwise your on your own - period.

Americans get frustrated by this type of teaching/instruction method because we give and expect long verbal explanations of "why." I assumed that the traditional silent instruction method of Asian Sensei was a cultural/custom thing and recently came across information that confirms this - quotes to follow.

Aisatsu is in the culture of the Japanese. This is a strict form or a kata-ization of things like language use, the tone of the voice in language, the facial expressions used in communications, the position and movement of the body, and a strong pull of cultural adherence to authority and seniority. It tells Japanese what role they play in their society/culture, the rules that drive every single minute detail of Japanese life and the silent system that is used to live within the culture/society confines of rules and roles. Within aisatsu is mi-narai or silent system.

Since the culture is controlled to the inth degree the silent system requires every Japanese apprentice to learn by observation and listening. They learn patience and it takes a long time to get it and when they begin to get it then they begin to do the simplest and most obvious things. There is an expectation due to the kata-ization of all things Japanese, i.e. the procedures and processes expected from all Japanese and all of them are exactly alike it becomes natural for them to perceive what they see and hear which translates to all the groups as to roles and the group rules.

Another sub-term for Aisatsu is shiji no dashi or "way of giving direction," which is Sensei does, you watch, you listen and then you do simple things waiting for the "signal" from Sensei you can move forward. A slow and methodical process and this explains why when Americans do what they do, ask questions, they tend to get the silent treatment.

Oh, yea, apparently if you push for an answer it is not considered wrong to give answers that may or may not apply to the question. Sometimes they say "hai" to acknowledge your question and prompt you to continue but does NOT mean "yes to your question."

p.s. I have read statements that some Americans who believe what they do is directly approved by Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei simply because when he failed to respond verbally they pressed the issue and finally he said, "hai." I can tell you that in the culture that does not mean yes to the question, they are just embarrassed you didn't observe and sense the answers they say it to end the discussion or get you to talk more and leave the question behind. Interesting, isn't it?

p.s.s. I have to wonder just how much American's do in the training hall they "think" is approved by their Asian Sensei when in reality it means nothing at all?

p.s.s.s. I can surmise that this form of instruction, silent Sensei, can teach how to be more aware of things in your environment - another post, yes?