“The beginning of knowledge is the discovery of something we do not understand.” ~ Frank Herbert ??
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Some people love to lead and have power. There’s nothing wrong with this in itself, and it could easily lead a martial arts practitioner to become a great teacher. But if this drive becomes excessive, it can cause problems.
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For example, we’ve all encountered the new black belt who’s knowledge is rudimentary, yet they seem more interested in teaching everyone what he or she already knows, than actually learning something of any depth from an experienced teacher.
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Being under the consistent care and tutelage of good martial arts teacher(s) can be life-changing. It is wise to follow the example set by masters throughout the ages and find the proper mentor. Life is short, and your time for learning and creativity is limited. Without any guidance, you can waste valuable years trying to gain knowledge, understanding and expertise.
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The right mentors know where to focus your attention and challenge you. Their knowledge and experience become yours. They provide immediate and realistic feedback on your work, so you can improve more rapidly.
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The Internet is full of amazing resources – but it’s also full of garbage, and the task of sifting through it all to find the gems can be overwhelming. YouTube is NOT a sensei.
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Previous generations looked up to genuine experts, who had spent years or decades perfecting their art. Now, anyone can bypass this process and set themselves up as a martial arts “expert” – without ever having the deeper understanding that comes from spending time with a knowledgeable, challenging and competent teacher.
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? Photo Credit: Chris Denwood.