Have you ever stopped to think about what your Karate Sensei really does, day in and day out?
Beyond teaching kicks and punches, Senseis shape character, build discipline, and guide your children to grow into confident, respectful, and resilient individuals. Yet, many parents and students don’t see the full scope of our work—and why respecting that work includes timely payment.
The Role of a Sensei
Teaching Karate isn’t just about physical techniques. Senseis help students develop confidence, focus, and perseverance. We guide adults to find strength and balance while mentoring children in ways that go far beyond the dojo.
We celebrate achievements, witness growth, and share in the joy of mastering challenges—but behind every smile is a Sensei’s dedication, often unseen and underappreciated.
The Hidden Work Behind Every Class
Every class takes preparation, planning, and energy. Outside the dojo, Senseis:
- Respond to countless messages from students and parents
- Maintain the dojo and its equipment
- Attend tournaments and workshops
- Continue their own training to grow as instructors
Much of this work is driven by passion—but passion does not pay bills. Running a dojo is a profession, and every hour spent supporting students has real financial and emotional costs.
Why Timely Payment Matters
When payments are delayed or memberships left uncertain, the burden falls on the Sensei. Rent still needs to be paid. Utilities still arrive. Equipment still costs money. Every delay means the instructor is covering these expenses personally.
Think about it: would you expect your landlord or bank to wait weeks for your mortgage or rent? Probably not. So why should a Sensei be expected to do the same?
Compassion During Hard Times
Life can be unpredictable. Families face challenges—job loss, illness, or other hardships. At Haito Karate, we have always tried to support students through these times. There have been occasions where children were allowed to train for free until their families could get back on their feet.
In some cases, Senseis even covered entry fees for tournaments or travel costs so students could participate and have the opportunity to compete. None of these cases has been made public, and most parents and students are unaware that this has ever happened.
I am not asking to be constantly thanked for these actions. My goal is simply to give you insight into what happens behind the scenes and why sometimes things may look different from another perspective.
It is important to understand that these exceptions are acts of generosity, not standard procedure. They are entirely at the Sensei’s discretion. Like a shop owner helping a loyal customer, a Sensei may make a compassionate choice—but it is a choice, not a guarantee.
The Extra Burden on Instructors
Being a Sensei is already a heavy responsibility. We are entrusted with the physical and emotional safety of every student, ensuring each class is structured, engaging, and safe.
On top of that, we spend hours educating parents on training principles, attending tournaments, supporting students outside of class, managing schedules, and maintaining the dojo. Financial uncertainty only adds pressure to an already demanding role.
Karate Is a Profession, Not Just a Hobby
Karate may feel like a fun hobby for your children, but for a Sensei, it is a profession and a livelihood. Love for teaching does not cover rent, utilities, or equipment. Respecting the Sensei’s role means honouring financial commitments, signing up for memberships on time, and recognising the value of the work we do.
Respecting the Sensei
When we step into the dojo, we are teaching more than Karate—we are teaching life skills, character, and resilience. Respecting a Sensei means:
- Paying on time
- Communicating clearly
- Appreciating the dedication behind every class
Gratitude for Your Support
Thank you for trusting us with this responsibility. Your support allows us to share our passion, grow the dojo, and help students become the best version of themselves.