On Kung Fu and Ogres

With all the changes to the syllabus and the outlining of the curriculum I have been fortunate to be able to listen to discussions and read blog posts regarding learning and teaching. From everything I’ve seen, by far the coolest thing about Kung Fu is that you never arrive. And what I finally realized is that teaching is just as layered and just as cool as learning.

Obviously you can always get better at something which means there is always something new to learn. But the depth of insight it takes to be a truly great teacher is awe inspiring. I remember the first class I taught in Onoway solo. I was shaking in my boots. I remember the technique I covered; spinning back fist. This was solely because I felt adequate with the technique and didn’t want to make a fool of myself. Then, after years of teaching, I finally felt comfortable in the role and forged ahead as I saw fit, not just as I felt I could.

I realize now how damaging my approach may have been to the students. What I taught depended on what I hadn’t covered recently and how I taught didn’t change from class to class. I had little to no empathy for what my students really needed besides what holes where present in their knowledge. I thought that was all there was.

I now know to look deeper. Sometimes a nudge is all that’s needed. Sometimes a discussion is required. Sometimes the best instruction is no instruction.

There are so many layers to teaching. What knowledge do I have that they need is such a small part. Compassion for a student is so much more valuable than knowledge. For a few years now I ask myself why? Why are they doing what they’re doing or moving the way they’re moving? Quite often I cannot answer the question for myself. I see it, I don’t understand it. I am glad I have the confidence to approach someone with more experience than myself, for every time I do I learn and I become a little better for it.

Together

Last night during the 2nd degree brown belt class I was listening to the lesson Sifu Brinker was giving. I was not participating in the class but I always had an ear on what was going on. He mentioned to the two guys there that every one of us with a black belt around our waists had gone through and passed the fitness test, and that none of us had done it alone. So true.

I can only vaguely remember the events leading to my grading and I remember even less of the day. But I very clearly remember the day my Sifu Freitag came up to me and gave me the push I needed to make it my goal. I remember working with my good friend and grading mate Sifu Olsvik on our 5 techniques and our forms. I remember being motivated and encouraged by Sifu’s Kim & Kylee Hayes when I just wanted to quit during the test.

Point is, no one gets through their grading day or grading year alone. There are countless others who, in some form or another, help you through the process. This is not a weakness; on the contrary, it is what makes us strong enough to be successful. During the year there is a whole team of people who, although not grading themselves, are rooting for you and willing to help in any way they can. On the day there is a room full of people there only for you, with no other agenda and no reward for themselves except seeing you succeed.

This is how it is every day from the moment you walk in and sign up to the moment, well, indefinitely (I haven’t found the end yet). It’s rare to find a place where everyone is on your side, a community where we all pull in the same direction and for each other.

I also remember laying on the floor in by bedroom every night and completing 150 push-ups, 150 sit-ups and 150 leg lifts before bed. This was the hardest part for me, finding the motivation to lie down on the cold floor instead of crawling into my warm bed. Hard because I was alone in my task. This was before the I Ho Chuan and the knowledge that there is a whole team of people doing the same thing with me. Take advantage of the strength of the team and make sure we’re all moving forward together. Then things become clear, simple, and (perish the thought!) maybe even fun.