The correct way to address Dan Inosanto...

[Tim Mousel]

Hi,

I'm currently in Dallas training with Ajarn Chai Sirisute. He wanted me to let everyone know that when you are training Thaiboxing with Guro Inosanto that he should be addressed as Ajarn Dan.

Just passing that along...

Tim

[GonzoStyles]

wow thats awesome! Ajarn Inosanto is an inspiration to anyone involved with MA. A man who is allready a fountain of skills still focused on expanding his knowledge. This speaks volumes for Ajarn Sirisute as well, as I am sure Mr.Inosanto could have went to many sources for Muay Thai.

[Shaolin Bushido]

Dan's attained Ajarn status? Can someone expound on the gravity of reaching that level? What was before that and is there a title that follows it?

[doubleouch]

Wow. So glad I don't have to address any of my instructors by some title. I'm over that. No knock on Innosanto though. Great guy.

[Ern-Dog]

A very well deserved honor.

[Shaolin Bushido]

Wow. So glad I don't have to address any of my instructors by some title. I'm over that. No knock on Innosanto though. Great guy.

Why do you say that though? You call your instructors something don't you? Or do you say, "hey you"?

Seriously, we look at it as a title and some look as respecting titles as onorous; a chore.

It's just a title denoting respect that seems hoity toity cause it's not in english.

It IS an honor because of the knowledge and contributions we know anyone at that level has contributed to the art but I don't really follow the disdain for titles or why anyone would be "over" it.

Don't you respect other cultures? I bet you won't practice BJJ without your gi or buck whatever rules and traditions they observe such as accepting a belt promotion when and how they tell you to.

Not beating a dead horse, just inspiring thought. Sorry if I seem to be argumentative or indignant. Don't mean to be.

[doubleouch]

I call my instructors by their first name. I just have a problem with all the ritual and dogma that goes on in the MA world. Sometimes gets in the way of discovering the truth, you know?

[escrima demon]

Inosanto is very skilled in Arnis/kali if im not mistaken isnt he?

[Nutz]

Why do you say that though? You call your instructors something don't you? Or do you say, "hey you"?

No, I call him Dave. You know, his name?! He's the same as the rest of us (my group) and has the same appreciation for dropping the "classical mess" and getting down to business without worring about pretenses or ostentation.

Don't get me wrong, we all respect him for his ability, knowledge, wisdom, and humility. That said, there is no need to bring it up every time we address him. Doing so would be hoity-toity at best.

I call my instructors by their first name. I just have a problem with all the ritual and dogma that goes on in the MA world. Sometimes gets in the way of discovering the truth, you know?

QFT! In my opinion, all it ends up doing is slowing down the pace of the training session. I attended my son's Tang Soo Do class the other day and they spent a good 10 minutes going through various levels of rhetoric and ritual. Hell, my wife and I looked at each other and asked ourselves if we'd walked into a commander's call.

[Tim Mousel]

It's not that big a deal. Are all of you on first name basis with your doctor or do you address them Dr. So-and-So. My students all call me by my first name and that is my preference. However, if someone that has reached a high level in an art and wishes to be addressed as ajarn, or guro or whatever, it's not a big deal. That's quite different than going through 10 minutes of ritual.

Tim

[Nutz]

Point taken. Its all up to the person that's being referred to. I'm sure there are doctors that prefer to go on first name basis just as there are college professors, military personnel, martial arts instructors, etc.

[doubleouch]

You are right Tim. It's only not a big deal if you make it not a big deal. You have to be careful though. As soon as you accept a title it separates you from those who don't have it. Can create classism.

[Hardball]

Sorry to bring an old thread back to life but it is an interesting topic. My instructor likes to be called Renshi, his instructor goes by Hanshi and I go by Coach.

[Tant01]

To each his own... Titles are just that. It's a title...? phui No disrespect intended but anyone greater then 6 or 8 dan is due? In my life I've only met two that were over 5 dan. (If BJJ counts for one?) LOL

There must be something SPECIAL about this "master"? Outstanding contribution? Life long teacher? How old is your "Hanshi" ??? And this is jujutsu, not Kendo???

Hmmm... just wondering? Got names? Thanks HB?

[Hardball]

Yea, Hanshi is about 67. He's a Vietnam vet. (Army Capt) and has a PHD in Chemistry. He works as a scientist. And yea, he teaches Traditional Jujitsu.