Do I Need a Sensei?

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The quick answer is, "Well, It depends..." and then the discussion begins. If you are new to karate then you really do want a qualified, dedicated and motivated sensei who understands the style or system past the mere learning of the physical. 

Everyone, until a certain point requires someone to walk the walk before them and when one reaches that point they can diverge from adhering to any one sensei except if it involves a vastly different style or system requiring one go back to the physical. The caveat herein is that if the student actually learns about the physical, kata and such, while learning about fundamental principles such as physiokinetic's then they can pretty much take on any style or system because principles like physiokinetic's are universal to all forms of martial disciplines and skills. 

One of the reasons in the last decade or so I converted from any particular style like Isshinryu and worked diligently to fully understand those underlying universal fundamental principles of all martial disciplines as well as any other form of combative skills. 

When you become an expert in such principles using any style of system to learn, practice and understand them deeply then the idea of sensei, style or system simply disappears unless the individual finds one that fits their personality and creates a social construct necessary and conducive to evolving appears like Isshinryu did for my in 1979 through friendship with Warner Dean Henry, my then First Sergeant. 

You must have a sensei to learn both the physical movements taught in kata and you must have a sensei to ingrain, imbed and make automatic methodologies based on strong applicable fundamental principles. After that, unless you plan on teaching (becoming a sensei yourself) then all you need is a connection to a network of like minded professionals who will exchange theories, idea's and experiences with you to vet and validate your current skills and level of application. 

If you wed yourself to any one person you will reach their limits except in those rare cases when the two of you branch out to encompass others to evolve, but you don't need them as sensei to senpai because you become a yin/yang pair who feeds one another through interactions and movement with others in the martial communities. 

Think about this, mull it over and consider how this can take you beyond the mood so you may reach for the starts. 

For reference and sources and professionals go here: Bibliography (Click the link)