I started learning Judo in the mid 1960's when I took out a membership at the former Hatashita Judo Club, whose Head Sensei (Sensei means teacher) was Sensei John Hatashita, Rokudan - 6th degree Black Belt. This turned out to be the most important and valuable decision of my life.

Having lost my hearing shortly after I was born from Scarlet Fever, my hearing loss was not correctly diagnosed until I was seven years old. As a result, I experienced delays in speech and as a "handicapped" child I experienced much hardship in the form of ridicule and harassment, from many peers and teachers. At the age of 16, I discovered Judo, and made a decision to start learning Judo. This almost instinctive choice that I made from myself at this time changed my life dramatically for the better. It started me down a path that I am still traveling today. I continue to benefit from all aspects of this sport - Judo.

Since the mid 1960's, I have seldom missed a class or gone a week without any Judo training. I was very fortunate to have found two teachers, or Senseis (Hatashita Sensei & Sensei Dave Thomas,Yondan - 4th degree black belt), who guided me on my way at that time to the role model that I attempt to be today for many of my students. I am very grateful to my two Senseis and to the many other Senseis that I sought out to further my Judo knowledge.

Continuing, the term "Sensei" has several levels of meaning. Some of the other martial arts use the term "Master", but this is most certainly not used at all to my knowledge in the Judo world. This is not without reason-when one advances through Judo, it is very apparent that there is so much to learn with so many techniques of Judo that even today for the more experienced Judoka or Sensei, it takes a lifetime to learn them all. To try and master them all, even for the most experienced Judoka, seems to be out of reach at times and it is not something that can always be easily achieved. For example, there are moments when a competitor tries very hard to achieve an ippon (a win by a full point), but is unsuccessful. There will always be much more to learn and as Senseis, who value the attitude of Kaizen, or continual improvement, and we are usually the first ones to admit that we are still continuing to learn and are more like Beginners than we are Masters.

For most people who have been involved in the martial arts, they considered a Sensei to be a life long person who is their guide and who provides them with physical, mental and even spiritual guidance. In Japan, it is quite common and appropriate to refer to one who may be a church leader or someone of knowledge as a Sensei.

It is most certainly appropriate to use the term for someone who are teachers in the educational system, churches, temples, clubs or many other student/teacher relationships. It is imperative for a Judo Sensei to know the specific techniques of the sport; moreover, the Sensei can also impact to his/her students more than the "physical" aspects and their resulting benefits.

The lessons that can be learned through Judo training can be applied to all aspects of one's daily life. For nearly 40 years, the many Senseis that I have studied under have shared their wisdom and understanding both on and off the tatami (mat). This kind of relationship with a good Sensei is a rarity in today's modern society. Many students over the years move on, Judo clubs/schools close or a Sensei may retire. It is extremely hard today to find a good Sensei; one who can provide a student with many beneficial lessons over a long period of time.

The Japanese word Sensei literally means "one who has gone before". This is perhaps another way of looking at the role of a Sensei, and one that I in particular can identify with. It sounds humble, simple, and yet true. A Sensei is a teacher that has experience and knowledge and who can guide a participant in the martial art along a positive and beneficial path. The many Senseis that I have trained and studied under had a complete understanding of our Sport. They, too, have trained and studied under previous generations of Senseis in all aspects of the sport of Judo. Demonstrating the many techniques required to attain each belt rank is an attribute to the good lessons that I have learned under my Senseis, both on and off the tatami (Judo Mats).

Being a former Technical Director/Head Sensei (1979 - 2003) of the Asahi Judo Club and now President/Owner of the Kaizen Judo Club (2003 - present), I have seen many of my students either as Recreational or as Competitive Judokas attempt to achieve their best with determination, poise, inner strength and resilience. It is always a beautiful thing to see. I have coached many high-achieving athletes over many years and from the lessons of the past and present; In doing so, I have learned very well what it takes to help and guide these Judokas. I have helped them to be successful and to be proud of their many achievements both on and off the tatami by sharing my knowledge and many past experiences, as their Sensei. In my opinion, this is what being a Judo Sensei is all about - helping another to achieve their highest level possible in their pursuit of knowledge-in this case, knowledge of Judo.

Over the many years that I have practiced Judo, starting as a Beginner, an Intermediate Judoka, a Competitor, then a Tournament Official, as a first time Instructor, a Technical Director/Head Sensei, a Regional Coach, a Provincial Coach, a National Coach, and an International Coach, I have gained experiences that have truly enriched and aided my life both inside and outside of Judo. I am thankful for what Judo has done for me, and therefore, I readily share these experiences freely with anyone who is eager to respectfully learn.

In closing, I still consider myself a student with much more to learn. I am still studying and striving to understand even more of this wonderful sport of Judo. It seems the spirit of Kaizen ('continuous improvement' in Japanese) seems to continue to live inside of me. It is my wish and goal that Kaizen empowers you too.

Respectfully yours in Judo,

R. J. (Bob) Zettl, ChPC, Rokudan - 6th Dan.