1. EachPod

350 - "Don't Call Me Professor", Why I Don't Like Fancy Titles in Jiu-Jitsu and Martial Arts

Author
Stephan Kesting
Published
Tue 28 Dec 2021
Episode Link
https://kesting.libsyn.com/350-dont-call-me-professor-why-i-dont-like-fancy-titles-in-jiu-jitsu-and-martial-arts

I know people mean well but here's why I don't like them calling me 'Professor' or 'Sifu' or 'Sensei' or 'Guru' or 'Master' or 'Shihan' or 'Kru' or 'Sabom' Or 'Kwisatz Haderach'...

So if we ever meet on the street, at an airport or in a gym please call me 'Stephan'!

There's an inherent danger when lofty titles are used to amplify an already reflexive obedience towards the instructor in a martial arts setting, which is often a hierarchical environment with pseudo-spiritual overtones.

Remember, everybody poops, including your professor grandmaster sifu instructor!

If you have the inclination I'd be honored if you check out my latest instructional, The Omoplata 2.0 at https://www.grapplearts.com/omoplata.

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