I have previously written that I would teach a gay student the same as any other student, and that a gay student would be equally welcomed in our dojo.
I have the same feelings and policy about transgendered students. They are equally welcomed in our dojo, and I would teach them the same as any other student.
I try to address the unique strengths and weaknesses of each student. That is not a matter of gender (or sexual orientation) to me, so much as it is a matter of physical conditions (height, weight, reach, speed, physical conditioning, etc.).
Our dojo is like a family. And like the early Karate dojo here in Hawaii, if anyone messes with a student in our dojo, they are messing with all of us. I guess you can tell that I was a Kenpo student and instructor first.
One of the most important things a Sensei can do is to be accepting and supportive of students... and then to make them extremely skilled.
Now, what would I do if I accepted a transgendered student and all my other students quit? Then I would have one good student! But knowing my students, that would not happen.
Respectfully,
Charles C. Goodin
