Hey Sensei!: Funny and Sometimes Insightful Things That Happened at the Dojo

U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame member Kris Wilder fondly reflects on decades of teaching. Years ago, while chuckling about a kooky comment thrown out by an eight-year-old, a parent observed, "You should write that down." We did. And added illustrations to some of them too.

Although fun, the contents are based on traditional values inherent in any well-run martial arts program. Concepts of respect, diligence, good manners, big spirit, and the like assure that kids who excel in martial arts build a foundation that gives them a leg up in life... and as instructors we are fondly able to reflect upon our small role in enabling our students' accomplishments.

Having spent time training kids, you will nod your head knowingly at the moments captured here. As a student, you will be able to say, "Hey, I remember..."

Kris Wilder

Kris was inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2018. He began teaching martial arts in 1982 and has seen a lot happen on the training hall floor. He is also the author of numerous books on martial arts and self-improvement. Humor and laughter are the greatest joys in life for people, and the training hall is not exempt from such a treasure. Kris sees stand-up comedy as a brilliant art form and points to Norm MacDonald as his favorite comedian of all time. To further distort his youth, he grew up watching Monty Python's Flying Circus and Fawlty Towers.

Lawrence Kane

A bestselling author, Lawrence was once interviewed in English by a reporter from a Swiss magazine for an article that was published in French, and finds that oddly amusing. He was inducted into SIG Sourcing Supernova Hall of Fame in 2018. In 2022, he was honored with a Top DEIB Leader Walk the Walk Award. Lawrence has been studying and teaching martial arts since 1970. His quirky sense of humor is tickled by shows like The Simpsons, Monty Python's Flying Circus, and Disenchanted.