A friend, who is also a teacher, once said that I am the only instructor he knew of, that puts so many restrictions to enter a dojo and asks people to leave (if they don't fit in the group, or I confirm they are not suitable for training). Time is precious, when you have 1 hour x 3 times a week and 10 students, every one of those ten students will get as much of my time as possible. Students who do not deliver 100%, constantly miss lessons or have a negative attititude are asked to leave.
On the other hand, there are instructors who will try to in some way indoctrinate students who they feel or think are on the wrong path. Others just ignore bad behavior and attitudes , hoping that in time, they'll mend.
Truth is, at present, I am not running for office or run a popularity contest. Some of the best moments (besides good moments with Kuromi or going out with beautiful female friends) are when I am teaching. I love to create, develop and help. So my favorite way to achieve this, is by teaching / writing.
As I get older, mature, my PTSD & situation improve, I have more patience and know that in time, will be able to help people in a more open and tolerant way. Then, maybe I can handle more types of people and have enough patience and mental energy to help people who are confused, negative or walking in the wrong direction.
A dojo, in contrast to a martial arts studio or gym, is a spiritual workshop for body, mind and spirit., where each individual must find their own ways and path, inspired by a martial art and an instructor.
I strongly dislike sects and sectarianism, I love freedom and recognize there are many types of people, in many types of ways. So, when another dojo opens in the area, I see it as another chance for someone who is not aligned with my ways and rules to get training and find a martial family.
After the 5th Dan test I ask / demand that students stop training in my dojo; at this point they must walk their own path and open their own dojo. Many would see this opportunity to make some bucks and run some type of McMartialArts chain, not me; 5th Dans and up can come to seminars, ask questions, go for some coffee and talk, ... but they are free and don¡t owe me anything - that’s the way I have been treated by Hatsumi Sensei.
A lot has been said about Hatsumi Sensei and Bujinkan. I, have been always well treated and even well respected by Hatsumi Sensei and his top Japanese Shihan. Some other shihan (some Japanese and some not) who are older than me and have more time as teachers have tried to make things difficult for me, but in time they are just memories, part of the game, who helped me in one way or another.
Hatsumi Sensei has never told me: ‘do this or do that!’. Freedom has always been his approach, even one time I asked Noguchi about something and he said: ‘we’re Okay with anything you do!’. When I, occasionally, see people attacking Hatsumi Sensei and / or Bujinkan on social media, I many times would like to respond - I don’t, that implies engagement, which is time and effort. I’d rather spend that time doing other things. I’ve suspended classes and stopped teaching when I’ve felt a group of students are not giving it 100%.
One thing I’ve learned is that some people will stick to their own views and ways independently of whatever you do and say. They will never like you or even agree with you. My attitude is very simple: I share through my lessons, social media, books and videos my version of things; I don’t claim for it to be the only truth and I am aware that I also may be wrong on some issues.
Take from my ideas, techniques what suits you best and fits in your schema. I will not try to shape you and will never let anyone else try to shape or indoctrinate me. I am free and only kneel to God, I am an individual who believes living and enjoying life every moment, of every day - life is short - make the most of it!