Are You Practicised in the Art of Knowing Your Children?

This is a video of Sensei Kendall, my son Jake's karate teacher. Sensei Kendall, besides being a master in the martial arts, a father and father-figure, an accomplished news journalist, a successful businessman, a volunteer firefighter/EMT, and a genuinely great guy, is also practiced in the Art of Knowing; this video is an example of how Sensei Kendall truly knows each of his karate students. Not only does he know Jake - who he is, what progress he's making, how size is a concern of Jake's these days - but he communicates what he knows in a direct, respectful and honest way.

What is there to learn from this short video clip about karate?

1. How Sensei Kendall manages to know the over two hundred young people in his dojo. He does it the old-fashioned way: he pays attention, shows up, listens, spends time and asks questions. Knowing is an essential part of his practice.
2. Why knowing so important to dads. Just watch the video and pay close attention to my son's face. What you'll see a vivid picture of what the qualities of respect and care actually look like as they are transmitted from one person to another.

Comments

[Jason]

That is a great little piece of video.

[Jane]

What a great guy, he seems to put in a lot of effort

[john badalament]

Kendall is indeed a great guy who puts in a lot of effort and time - as do his staff - into knowing his students...and their families. The result a vibrant sense of community.
john