David Matsumoto

Dr. Matsumoto is extremely fair with his students. The fact of the matter is that if you know the material, you will be able to finish the tests in the allotted time. Dr. Matsumoto is in no ways bias or discriminatory towards his students. I find his lectures both intruiging and informative. I learned a lot from his class and I am sure others will as well.

Matsumoto was always fair with me. However, I must echo my general displeasure with most of the class and Matsumoto's performance, when he bothered to show up for lecture. He missed 1/3 or more of our lectures, tests were really only about the book, and the two (lectures and book) really didn't meet in the class room. He seems to treat women and asian people badly in the extreme - I mean downright rude. Matsumoto *does* have a problem in answering questions directly. I find that tiring. You can learn a lot from his text, and a little from his class (when he shows up), but if you aren't older asian, or an older white male, be thick skinned, because he may treat you like a dog.

Dr. Matsumoto is very knowledgeable in both the sport and martial art aspect of judo. It is obvious that he is highly regarded among other judo instructors and highly skilled in judo and is an excellent teacher. The caliber of his skill level is evident by the fact that he is assisted by nationally ranked athleted whom he coaches at his own dojo all of which are women. The class covers a broad range of techniques that gives the beginning student a eye-opening introduction to the different aspects of judo. The workload is light, all that is required is a small amount of light reading on the origins and different aspects of judo, that is very intresting and attendance at a local invitational tournament, of which there are several during the semester. I recommend this class to anyone looking to expand their knowledge of the martial arts, that are intrested in judo as a sport, are looking for a invigorating and physically active class, or simply looking to broaden their horizons. For those that already have basic knowledge of judo, I also suggest the intermediate/advanced class, which provides a lot of grappling time, the opportunity to compete and be a part of a team, and also the opportunity to work with highly skilled, international competitors.

Dr. Matsumoto's lectures are extremely fast paced and stimulating. This course is only for those motivated enough to put out the extra effort to get something out of the class. His attitude towards his class seems to be represented by "survival of the fittest." The class really isn't for someone willing to put 100% of their effort into it. If you're looking for an "easy A" class, this isn't it. Dr. Matsumoto doesn't waste his time with those not willing to do the work, and those who do not attend or pay attention to lecture. As for his lack of office hours, seeing as he also doubles as a full time judo coach to a group of 5 olympic judo hopefuls, as well as works as a researcher for the International Judo Federation, as well as works on his 26th book, as well as gives sold-out conferences around the world, It can be understandable that he will not rearrange his schedule for one student. I recommend this class ONLY to those who are looking to challenge themselves and expand their knowledge. On a side note, I highly recommend the beginning and advanced judo classes, kinesiology 142 and 242 taught by Dr. Matsumoto. It also is an extremely stimulating class that gives you an opportunity to work with olympic caliber athletes, which is a rare opportunity.

Dr. David Matsumoto is a professor with a lot of responsibilites. He has written more then 25 books which proves his skill in the subject matter. He is direct and specific about things students are to do in his class. If you cna understand him, and manage to think about Corss Cultural Psych. on his level you might be able to understand his views toward the subject. He is not very available, but there are students in his office available at almost every time of day. If you are up for a challenging course and a lot of hard work take this course.

If you really want to learn, don't take dr. matsumotto. his lectures are boring and directly from his book. his test are anywhere from 113 to 150 questions (they're open notes but who has time to thumb through noted on 150 question exams?), and he gives a 20 page final paper and talks about it once in class. if you can't make office hours you are out of luck. He hates being questioned or pressed to discuss anything and he totally blew up on one of my classmates who did (she had to leave) and even the "extra credit" is composed of five short essays, at ten points each. this class is strictly for people who learn best directly from book, are really, really good test takers, and like writing 20 page papers they don't fully understand.

Dr. Matsumoto definitely has an enthusiasm for research psychology...however, his teaching style seems to be to teach "Cross Cultural Psychology through the eyes of David Matsumoto". His views seemed very rigid, and deviation from what was "fact" was not tolerated. Really, he is a wonderufl professor if your belief in/goals for psychology rest on a very scientific level...as a more clinically minded psychology student, I found his teachings to be rather narrow-minded and not very focused on individual differences in thought patterns.