The sensei
What is a sensei? Simply put: a sensei is a karate instructor.
But in fact it isn't really all that simple. A sensei-student relation can be about much more than just instructing. Perhaps a sensei could better be regarded as a guide, showing you which path to take on your journey. You're the one who has to do the walking, but as the sensei has already been there, he can indicate directions and warn you for pitfalls. Karate, at a certain level, is not as simple as copying your instructor's technique. Your body is different and your mind is different, so your karate will be different. You never can and never should be an exact copy of your sensei.
The relation between sensei and student is also very personal. The relation may last a lifetime, almost as long as your relation with your parents. It's not the same as at school where one teacher replaces the other after the end of the year.
The sensei-student relation is a two way street: you both give and receive. The student gives his energy and attention, the sensei gives his time and experience. Both need to keep up their own end of the bargain: The student has to bring his attention, energy and -yes, in most cases- money into the deal, the sensei has to devote his time and experience. If a student stops putting in his attention or the sensei stops putting in his time, then the sensei ceases to be the sensei and the student ceases to be his student. So a real sensei-student relationship is about more than paying the fee of the gym.
At least that's the traditional way. But it became a tradition for good reasons....
Karate for girls
Is karate for girls?
Sure.
Karate has always been for girls.
This is a picture of the famous karate master Choki Motobu teaching a women's class. (Motobu is on the right, being attacked by a lovely lady.) This picture was taken in 1936. So obviously girls have been around for quite a while in the karate dojos. In fact wado is quite suited for girls and women. Most girls are smaller and have a less muscular built than the boys. But because wado doesn't depend on muscular strength in the first place, girls can actually be very good at it. Girls also compete in karate competition, exactly like the boys.
Bruises in training
If you get beaten up in karate training, you have run into the wrong instructor. Leave immediately.
Karate training is not about beating people up.
It's ok if you get pushed to the limit though. This can be part of karate training. But it's wrong to be pushed over the limit. How can you tell where the limit is? Simple: if you return home black and blue after every training you've definitely been pushed over the limit. There's really no need for that, no matter what your instructor tries to tell you.
But getting bruised and taking a hit may happen now and again. It will also happen when you learn to ride the bike. Small accidents are difficult to avoid. It shouldn't be 'normal' though.