17/06/2026
Martial Arts Are Not Free
I am going to tell you about something that I witnessed many years ago in Japan.
This was during one of my earlier trips to Japan, when Hatsumi Sensei, Grandmaster of the Bujinkan Dojo, used to teach three classes per week. One of the classes, on Tuesday nights, took place at the Ayase Budokan.
Before class, I was sitting next to the person collecting the training fees. In Japan, classes are paid for in cash, usually before they begin. Hatsumi Sensei entered the room accompanied by one of his most senior student. As they walked in, the senior student, and teacher himself, approached the person collecting the money and paid for the class.
This was a revelation to me.
I had assumed that one of Hatsumi Sensei's most senior students and, at the time, one of only four shihan teaching classes at the Honbu Dojo, would not need to pay for classes. I was wrong.
Why did I assume this?
Well, shortly before, my teacher in Venezuela, who is an excellent and dedicated teacher and student, had told me that I did not need to pay my dojo fees. At the time, I had been assisting in class and sometimes leading training sessions when he was unavailable. As a result, for the previous year or so, I had not been paying for training at his dojo.
After seeing the exchange in Japan, I immediately understood that I had been doing the wrong thing.
Upon returning to Venezuela, I resumed paying for training at my teacher's dojo.
Sometimes, the most impactful lessons we receive from our teachers come from simple actions.
Martial arts instruction is not free. It is very important to pay for training. From a financial standpoint, student fees are what allow a dojo to continue operating. As a student, paying is part of the investment you make, together with your time and effort, toward your personal growth.
My recommendation is simple: pay your dojo fees in full and on time, and support your teacher as much as you can in his or her efforts to provide training and learning opportunities.
These things are simple, but they are very important. They are noticed and appreciated by your teacher.
