E. Jude Gore 8th Dan

by E. Jude Gore
Mountaineer Karate Club

"My name is Edmund Jude Gore. Now you can call me Ed, or you can call me Edmund, or you can call me J, or you can call me Jude, or you can call me E Jude, or you can call me Edmund Jude. Now you can call me Edmund J, or you can call me EJ, or you can call me EJG, or you can call me Gore, but you doesn't have to call me Sensei!" Many of you (except you young whipper snappers) will remember a comedy routine that became popular in the late 70s. Bill Saluga created a shtick as Ray J. Johnson who became annoyed when addressed as "Mr. Johnson."

The term Sensei has several meanings. It is often difficult to translate a foreign word or term into English and fully understand the meaning. Sensei literally translates as "one who has gone before" or "one that was born before." In Japan, it is appropriate to use the term for clergymen, teachers, doctors, lawyers, politicians, and other figures of authority. In the AKS, we refer to Black Belts as Sensei.

We use the term Sensei as a sign of respect. It's funny that many times in class when I am addressed as Sensei, I look around to see who came into to the Dojo. Many years ago when I first started teaching band, I had a very good student who became a close friend over the years. He would call me Gore, not Mr. Gore, just Gore. "Hi Gore . . . Hey Troy." I was asked occasionally if I was bothered to be called by just my last name. I was not. I knew the intent behind it, because I was guilty of the same.

When I first entered college and majored in music, I was not prepared. I was fortunate to get an instructor that was patient and willing to go the extra mile to bring me up to speed. We became very good friends. He was known as Dr. Milburn by his students and colleagues, but I called him just "Milburn." He told me to call him Dave, but for all the years of our friendship he was "Milburn" to me. A name or title is not as important as the intent behind it. I have been called Mr. Gore before when some have not been very happy with me ☹. In fact, if your parents were like mine, when you got called by your full name, you knew you were in trouble! My uncle even called me "Nitwit" on occasion. I knew that it meant that I had done something stupid (hard to imagine…right?), but he still loved me.

I have been a student of Sensei Folsom for nearly 40 years. We are very good friends and talk almost daily, however it took many, many years before I could call him John when speaking outside of the Dojo. I never wanted him to think that I had any less respect or appreciation for what he has done for me by not calling him Sensei. I study Iaido, Aikido and Karate when time allows, with Sensei Bill King. We have been good friends for a long time, but I still have a difficult time addressing him as Bill outside of the Dojo. As we leave the Dojo and get into our cars to go home (or sometimes to dinner) I will say, "Thanks Sensei" and he will reply, "Bill," for which I respond, "Okay Mr. King."

I'll admit, I am not very fond of being called Sensei. In fact, I often get this odd feeling that the hair on my head is standing up and tingling when I'm addressed as Sensei. Those of you that know me must admit that it is very odd indeed since I don't have any hair on my head. (Just remember, God only made a few perfect heads and the rest he covered with hair. 😊) It just plain feels weird when my long time buddy, Bill, or my wife calls me Sensei in class. I will let you know that this is definitely not the case when Sandy and I are at home. Hmmm . . . I think I will wear my red and white belt around the house a day or two to see if that changes. On second thought, I better not push it! When I hear""Sensei," I think of my instructor and the instructors I have studied under and learned from: John Folsom, Bill King, Mike Sullenger, Fred Reinecke, Dave Thomas, Tom Twining, Dave Hayes, Heinrich Reimer, Frank Carmichael, and the list goes on. I especially feel uneasy when they are present and I am addressed as Sensei.

In our karate club I am called Sensei. That's okay and the way it should be. I am honored and humbled when students address me as Sensei. However, I want them to realize that I am also a student; studying and learning just like they are; no better or worse. I am there because I want to learn and train, and I am willing to share what has been passed on to me by all the instructors (Sensei) I have had the privilege to train under. I keep a white belt with me to remind me that I must always be open to learning from whomever is willing to share, and I know that I don't have all the answers, even though I won't admit it (please stop shaking your head yes in agreement 😉). So the next time you see me in Walmart or walking down the street and say, "Hi Sensei," know that I understand. However, don't be surprised if you hear me respond, "You doesn't have to call me Sensei." 😄