Timely Thoughts
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Conflict of Interest 08/30/05
If you are a member of a dojo, you should always consult with your sensei before training in another dojo. You sensei may have reasons as to why you should or shouldn’t do this. If the other dojo teaches techniques that could possibly be harmful to the student or take away from what is being learned in the current dojo, it would be detrimental to allow that student to learn from the other dojo. Another reason a sensei might forbid the student from studying from the other dojo is that it may be a competing dojo. A competing dojo may be seeking to seduce from the student the secret techniques learned at the first dojo. This becomes a conflict of interest and no good can come from it. Any good sensei will not allow it.
On the positive side of things, if the sensei approves of study at another dojo, it is for a good reason. It could be that the student needs to experience the feeling of practicing with unfamiliar training partners in a different environment. It could also be to provide the student with specific training that cannot be provided at the home dojo. Another reason is if a student moves away for a period of time, in which case the sense may recommend a reputable dojo for the student to train in while away.
The bottom line is that of dojo loyalty. You do not play football for the University of Oregon and train with the Washington Huskies. You must always remain loyal to your teammates, to your coach and to your home field. In martial arts, likewise, you must remain loyal to your teammates, your sensei, and your dojo.
Keith Sensei
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Timely Thoughts