| The late Bruce Lee was probably
the first recognized martial artist who openly stressed,
"absorb what is useful." What Mr. Lee meant was that we
should take knowledge from wherever we find it, and that it's
origin shouldn't matter, only it's usefulness. |
| Many instructors disagree with
the late Mr. Lee. They are insecure and forbid their students from
training (different styles, teachers) with anyone other than
themselves. These "instructors" say that this other
training would interfere with their teachings.
|
| The real reason is that these
instructors lack self-confidence in themselves as well as the art
they teach.
|
| Why? In many cases these
"instructors" don't even fully understand what they
themselves have learned. Their students in turn suffer. The
teacher by placing demands on the student either receives blind
loyalty from the student (who sadly one day will see the
disillusionment) or is shaken by the comment or rather command
uttered by the person they deeply respect. Those who blindly obey
their instructor without questioning him are really no better than
him.
|
| This attitude of openness also
extends beyond the scope of mere physical technique, and is also
very useful in our everyday lives when dealing with individuals
from other cultures. Friendship and understanding were not
developed by laughing at what was different from one society to
another, but by trying to identify and respect as well as learn
from one another. This would be a great waste of knowledge on all
parts if we were to all simply turn ourselves off and not be
exposed to those who are different from ourselves. Many times
individuals from different styles of martial arts are quite vocal
in telling others how they dislike certain techniques because they
seem useless. Then when someone knowledgeable in those very
techniques shows them the uses for the same techniques they
quickly become speechless.
|
| If only they had been open minded
and had listened to other points of view, perhaps they too would
have reached a stage of understanding, perhaps close enough that
one day it may be called sattori (enlightenment). |
