A friend of mine drove up to San Francisco to study with a very well known Grandmaster, his instructor. He drove the coast highway and it took him about 8 hours to get there. He was road tired but remained excited about his private lesson. He signed up for three private lessons at a “pretty penny”.
After greeting his Master the lesson began. Ten minutes into the lesson, the Grandmaster mentioned to my friend that “your toes are up in your side-kick … they should be down”. Unwittingly, my friend responded with “Oh, yeah … I know”. Out of habit. The Grandmaster, without hesitation, responded with a bow and his last words “then you don’t me as a teacher”. The Master turned and walked away without another word.
My friend, at first, was really upset. He drove a long way to get to the lesson. He was tired. He spent a lot of money for this lesson. And, the teacher walks away. Soon, my friend had packed up and made the long drive home. During the course of the drive, it dawned on him that he had inadvertantly disrespected his Grandmaster. He’s so used to saying “I know” … “yeah, I know” etc. that it just came right on out in his lesson with his Grandmaster! He felt ashamed. And, he should have.
Gathering his thoughts, he called the Grandmaster and apologized. The Master thought for a few moments and asked when he could come back up. My friend responded, “at your convenience”. They made a new appointment and my friend was happy. The next lesson went quite well – the Master taught and the Student learned. Pretty simple when you understand how it works.
My friend is a well known instructor in the valley. He used to compete in tournaments years back and now spends his life teaching martial arts and passing along his Master’s wisdom. He teaches Hap Ki Do.
Often, the Student and Master become so close that the student inadvertantly becomes to casual and makes a mistake such as my friend’s. Yes, it’s important to have a family atmosphere: but also, it’s important to keep in mind the dignity that must exist from the student to the Grandmaster.
That is really interesting sir…when I was looking for martial arts schools, I sat in on a few lessons at schools where these relationships seemed to be at one extreme side of the spectrum or the opposite. I am so glad I found a school that is a blend of both respect and comfort.
Hi Christy! Thanks for reading and commenting. It’s a very serious subject because, as you point out, there needs to be a balance… a mutually respectful one. 🙂 Have a blessed day.
all my best,
pgmb
It was Master Baird who made me feel comfortable. Missy was talking to me about the programs when PGM Baird introduced himself gently. I thought “That’s the Master.” Signed up right there.
Thank you for the gentle reminder Grandmaster Baird. Honor and respect through sincere humility. When I first met you, I quickly became aware at how approachable you are. Your focus and attention to the interests of others.
I so desire to have this attitude as well.
Thanks for the story! 🙂
Thanks everyone for coming by to read and comment. It’s good for us all to consider these traditional philosophies in order for us to understand our kung fu better … and better.
Without the philosophy of how all this works, we’re just waving our hands around in the air and making a lot noise!
pgmb