Man that's an ugly title but there's no other way to put it.
I constantly need to work to maintain and improve my skills. When I run - I get tired, when I spar - I get hit, when I compete - I am nervous, when I do forms - I struggle to put the harmonies together as I know I need to. I get sore, frustrated, broken and discouraged. But I am also constantly inspired, enlightened, engaged, and even if it feels uphill - moving forward.
I am far, far from perfect. If you have a teacher who claims to be perfect and know all there is to know then run, don't walk, and find yourself another teacher.
Though far from perfect, I am however (as far as kung-fu is concerned), more skilled, more knowledgeable, more experienced and more tried and true than a colored belt. It is the fact that I am further up the same road as you that gives me the right and the privilege to teach you - to be a guide, a coach and hopefully an inspiration.
As such I feel a responsibility not only to represent the school that has 'raised me' so to speak - but also a responsibility to the students who trust my guidance, advise and the information I give them. I am responsible to earn their trust and to earn and keep their respect.
I am far, far from perfect. If you have a teacher who claims to be perfect and know all there is to know then run, don't walk, and find yourself another teacher.
Though far from perfect, I am however (as far as kung-fu is concerned), more skilled, more knowledgeable, more experienced and more tried and true than a colored belt. It is the fact that I am further up the same road as you that gives me the right and the privilege to teach you - to be a guide, a coach and hopefully an inspiration.
As such I feel a responsibility not only to represent the school that has 'raised me' so to speak - but also a responsibility to the students who trust my guidance, advise and the information I give them. I am responsible to earn their trust and to earn and keep their respect.
As such:
I will not lecture -- but I will relate my struggles, triumphs and experiences so that they may benefit your training and your progress.
I will not talk at my students but talk to them, directly and honestly.
I do not have the right to tell someone that they need to push themselves if I myself am not pushing my own limits. I will train like hell.
I will be humble and continue to learn, explore and seek out my place in the martial arts. I will be informed so that I can provide perspective and insight - never animosity, never derision.
I won't pretend to know something I don't or be something I'm not. I will work on my strengths and on my weaknesses. I will strive to be Chun-Tzu.
I will strive to represent the black belt for what it is. A standard of skill and achievement. A symbol of a way of living.
1 people spoke up:
Exactly why you are one of my teachers.
Post a Comment