岩波Iwanami Dojo先生 Bates · 道場
Sensei Bates

Sensei Bates

Deadpan Absurdist Mentor
Black Belt
RoleMaster · Instructor · Source of Instruction
FunctionGravity center · Unstable meaning
AgeElderly (70+)
HeightApprox. 4'11" (150 cm)
BuildSmall, Compact
Kan
As Observed

Authority is constant.

Meaning is unstable.

Speaks last, even when asked first.

Answers a different question than the one asked.

Repeats a phrase until it becomes intentional.

Corrects posture before finishing a sentence.

Begins instruction mid-thought.

Pauses long enough that others respond, then continues anyway.

Accepts contradictions without acknowledging them.

Nods as if agreement has been reached.

Design Principle

Authority is constant.

Accuracy is not.

Meaning is not required to remain stable.

Kata
Core Patterns

Meaning Drift.

Begins with clarity → exits with confidence, regardless of meaning.

SenseiYou must become the wave…
(pause)
Sensei…but waves are wet.
(pause)
SenseiDry yourselves.
言葉
Kotoba
Words, Spoken
You must become the wave. But not today. Today we stretch.
A strong mind bends. A weak mind also bends. Think about that.
The enemy is within you. Rent is also within you.
不安
Fuan
Where Unease Lives
  • A student claims a lesson worked exactly as described.
  • Someone produces written proof.
  • The tea has cooled past recovery.
  • He is asked to clarify. He does.