Hmmm. When becoming involved in Chinese martial arts, I didn’t exactly have a basketful from which to choose. I read many books, and from my past experiences within other disciplines, decided from what type of teacher I would best learn.
So I set out to find one exactly like that, but found out the real world likes to mock us with false fronts, expecially in this area. I tend to hold people to high expectations and was greatly disappointed. Still, I ended up with several good men for teachers, who were willing to show me all they could.
What To Look For in a Master:
Then I met my master, and I discovered the qualities by which I would forever judge teachers. Here was an unassuming, confident, happy, intelligent and gentle man who still scared the crap out of me! I would tell anyone searching for a master to seek brilliance, yet listen to your heart.
Then came the hard part, Ninja Turtle’s point. This master was not teaching openly. He didn’t have a school, and he didn’t teach many other students. Even with my current teacher’s blessing, he outright refused to teach me. Still, I benefitted from his knowledge in conversation, so I kept visiting him. Even when I visited once a week, for six months straight, he would actually ignore me. If I was with classmates, he would talk to them. I was terribly hurt. But I still went.
How To Be a Student:
One day, my persistence, respect and humility paid of in spades. He accepted me - into his kung fu, his family and his business. And I in turn accepted the responsibilty.
It seems like such an easy path to follow, this becoming a student. I didn’t choose the route, it was laid in front of me as plain as day. Yet I watch so many others struggle to find their way. From watching them I gather this: One will never find a teacher, nor become a student, until one is ready to accept responsibility.
“Waiting is bad.” - Musashi