I recently did an impromptu podcast with my old friend and mentor Daniel Galhardo of Tenkara USA after we had an early-morning conversation about some ideas swirling around in our heads. Some of them may be controversial and I know some of you may not be receptive to them, but they’re the products of being veterans in the industry. In any case, take a listen and we would love to hear your feedback in the comments section below whether you agree or disagree. In a country that is so divided right now, I think debate and open dialogue are good things! Especially on a topic we all love and care about. Please take a listen and give us some feedback!
Hey, thanks for having that conversation so last minute. I appreciated the talk and good thought exercises we went thru. It was nice to record another episode together.
Hey Jason
Michael here…just north of Toronto…we were almost neighbours! lol.
Sorry, I’m coming a little late to this discussion. But no matter, these are timeless issues.
Anyway, to the point of the use of Master…unfortunately …at least in a U.S. context….there is a lot of cultural baggage associated with the term. For obvious reasons. I’m a bit surprised that neither of you raised this actually, given the sad legacy of slavery in your country. On the other hand a Masters degree is a common term in higher ed. Perhaps we we need a term closer to just plain “ expert” or “ sensei” for tenkara. Someone who is both guide, expert and teacher. Someone who has lived tenkara or, even beyond that, lived wild fishing and who respects that tradition in all its permutations?
In some parlances we here in Canada and u.s. love to use the word pro. That sounds weird to me as it refers to tenkara …… a “ tenkara pro” as it seems to undermine the whole innate spirit of * humbleness* that I think tenkara fosters. It is a quiet and humble approach to fishing. Not gonzo.
Sensei might be as good a word as any. A guide, a mentor, a kindred spirit on the tenkara road.
Long may it be so. Braggadocio has no place in the tenkarasphere.
Hi Michael, thanks, but my point wasn’t regarding the various definitions of the word “master”, rather that it’s somewhat sycophantic. And arguably, cultural mis-appropriation. It’s not a big deal. Just a pet peeve.
I like the terms “Tenkara Enthusiast” and/or “Tenkara Enthusiast and Teacher.”
I’m also fine with referring to those we learn from, in the many different ways, as “mentors.”
I consider both of you, Jason and Daniel, mentors.
I’ve learned a lot from you through your many contributions.
I’ve had to learn Tenkara the “hard” way—no personal mentors.
I live in the Southern Tier of New York State—Chemung County.
I haven’t met anyone in this area with an interest in Tenkara.
Anyway, thanks to you and others, I learn something new about Tenkara, and Kebari tying, nearly every day.
Thank You!
Martin
I’m from Orchard Park just south of Buffalo. Where are you Martin?
I’m in Elmira Heights.
I was born in Elmira.
I grew up about 20 miles south in north central Pennsylvania.
Hey Jason and Martin,
This episode gave me the kick in the pants to reach out to Jason and Im so glad we were able to catch up. Thanks Jason. Now after 20 years have passed I’m learning from my original teacher as I read your blogs and communicate with you again.
@Martin, I also live in NY north of Syracuse and learned from Jason when he lived and worked in the Buffalo area. Look me up some time if you are fishing Central New York.
Hey John, it was great reconnecting with you too! I’m glad to have had a positive impact on your life. That’s what makes it all worthwhile.