I'm Over Under

Family is an important concept in the martial arts.  The concepts of lineage, loyalty, and connection are all highly respected in many martial arts circles.

The longtime conception of the dojo as "second home" is evident in the nomenclature that we've adopted to describe where we fit on the good old "family tree".  In Japanese styles, sensei are those who have been "born before" us, and senpai, while considered part of the mentor/protege model, are similarly derived from an older sibling/younger sibling relationship.  This is echoed in the Korean seonbae/hubae pairings, as well as the various honorifics for instructors.  In the Chinese arts, you see terms like si-gung, si-tai-gung, and si-jo....all terms relevant to lineage.

This sense of lineage permeates many martial arts, to the degree that one of the first conversations that many martial artists have is "Who did you train with?", which ultimately is an exploration to find out whether we are related through the same martial lineage (or family tree), and if so - how.

In the past week, I've engaged in dozens of these conversations with numerous martial artists, which isn't entirely out of the ordinary when meeting other instructors; however, what has been interesting for me is the common usage of the term "under" in relationship to lineage, as well as how the usage of that word is linked to the relationships (and politics) within a given "martial family", as well as between families.  My observations:

To refer to a given practitioner as having studied "under" a given teacher is to identify them as being members of the same lineage, and within that hierarchy, the practitioner is, quite literally, "under" that teacher - if we were to envision their martial family tree.  That relationship generally obligates the student to observe a certain degree of filiality towards his/her teacher.

Things begin to get hazy afterwards.  Depending on the subculture of a given lineage, to be "under" someone may also imply degrees of authority (similar to military rank), responsibilities, certain etiquette, and sometimes even control or ownership.

Some of these are to be expected.  Most of them aren't particularly harmful, and are quite healthy.  We *should* listen to our teachers' advice.  We *should* feel a sense of loyalty towards them, and feel responsible for using their lessons properly.  If the culture of your dojo has a certain practice to honor such individuals, don't feel bad for observing those things.

However, I'll add my two cents: any instructor who deludes themselves into thinking that they can control their student, own the fruits of their labor, and/or run their business for them (by any right other than mutual informed consent), will someday find themselves without that student.

In our world, being 'under' anyone never gives them the right to hold you down.