Sensei Barry Connors, 7th (Shichi) Dan, is my
Sensei. He not only introduced me to the art, but taught me how to teach
it as well.
One of his phrases that has always stuck with me is, "What do you think?" When I would ask a question about how to perform a technique or why a movement was the way it was, Sensei would always ask, "What do you think?" It has become the cornerstone of my teaching. I have learned over the years that if you feed them they will always come to you to be fed. If you involve them in the learning process they will begin to figure it out on their own. Sensei always said he didn't want sheep, he wanted free thinking leaders. Questions always lead to discussions and discussions lead to knowledge, a knowledge that embedded itself in your being rather than your memory.
Sensei Connors remains our "Goto" Sensei for all things Wado. He is also the type of person who will delve deeply into any pursuit he chooses and is currently our new "Goto" guy for electric vehicles. He has always been one to keep up with the times and I don't think that will ever change.
One of his phrases that has always stuck with me is, "What do you think?" When I would ask a question about how to perform a technique or why a movement was the way it was, Sensei would always ask, "What do you think?" It has become the cornerstone of my teaching. I have learned over the years that if you feed them they will always come to you to be fed. If you involve them in the learning process they will begin to figure it out on their own. Sensei always said he didn't want sheep, he wanted free thinking leaders. Questions always lead to discussions and discussions lead to knowledge, a knowledge that embedded itself in your being rather than your memory.
Sensei Connors remains our "Goto" Sensei for all things Wado. He is also the type of person who will delve deeply into any pursuit he chooses and is currently our new "Goto" guy for electric vehicles. He has always been one to keep up with the times and I don't think that will ever change.
