I don’t want to be committed
Aren’t you already committed to your own training? If not, then your sensei probably shouldn’t have invited you to join. Joining the sensei program is beneficial to your training. Most of us can be tempted to take days off as regular students, but when you’re part of the team, you’ll train more regularly simply because you are positively motivated by your peer group. It’s not a bad thing.
I don’t like my senior regional instructor
This is a serious one. The senior regional instructor has control over all of your grades, and is supposed to be your role model. If you have a bad relationship with him, or don’t respect him, you’re going to have to consider your long-term future as a student. You could simply be courteous, and try to improve your relationship, or you could honestly discuss any reason for your feelings. Whether you become a sensei or not, it is useful to get on with your senior instructor. If you can’t get on with him, then do your best to stay beneath his radar. Or train in another region.
Conclusion
Becoming a sensei is a privilege, affording you the opportunity to satisfy all six of your essential human needs (certainty, variety, growth, contribution, significance and connection). The fact that in the process, you also help others is a bonus – for them and you. Sure it would be great to be financially remunerated for being a sensei, especially as others profit financially from your efforts, but in a way, the fact that we are not paid serves to filter some of those with the wrong motivation.
My students know when I stand in front of them, that I am completely dedicated to their growth and well-being. There are no complications or alternate agendas. When I recommend that they train twice, it’s because training more is good for them. When I recommend that they attend a seminar, tournament or event, they know with complete certainty that I suggest they go because they will benefit. Being voluntary enables us to be far bolder with our recommendations to students than a paid instructor could be, because we do not benefit from their compliance: they do.
Ultimately, becoming a sensei is probably one of the most rewarding things that you can do. You get to build long-term relationships with your students, and help to develop both their ability and their self-esteem. The kids you teach will probably remember you for the rest of their lives, just as you remember teachers that you liked in your youth. Being a sensei is definitely not for everyone, but if you want to maximise your karate growth, join a group of positive, motivated, altruistic people, and contribute to the growth of students in your area, I highly recommend giving it a go if you are asked.
