I'm trying to understand something for myself, and I'd like to hear your thoughts. If you'll indulge me a flow-of-consciousness, I'd like to brainstorm a little...
I hear the questions a lot, online and in class... "are there videos on YouTube of XYZ form/technique" or "is there a book that will teach me whatever..."
I've never learned anything worthwhile to my martial arts from a Youtube video. Sure, I enjoy them, they're fun to watch, and I can sometimes respect the skill of the practitioner, but in terms of learning, it's all been from Sifu, or my martial siblings.
We've all felt the frustration of not being able to do something well, and wanting to do it better, but why do we look outside for answers? Shouldn't I trust that my Sifu will teach me what I need to know at the appropriate time? Who am I to think that I know more about teaching kung fu than my Sifu does?
I can't imagine a disciple questioning the pace of his training.
Does the motivation for questions like these boils down to impatience? If it is, it's draped in a veil of disrespect. Is it reflective somehow of a student's commitment one way or another? Could it just be enthusiasm?
Do you have any thoughts on the subject?
I hear the questions a lot, online and in class... "are there videos on YouTube of XYZ form/technique" or "is there a book that will teach me whatever..."
I've never learned anything worthwhile to my martial arts from a Youtube video. Sure, I enjoy them, they're fun to watch, and I can sometimes respect the skill of the practitioner, but in terms of learning, it's all been from Sifu, or my martial siblings.
We've all felt the frustration of not being able to do something well, and wanting to do it better, but why do we look outside for answers? Shouldn't I trust that my Sifu will teach me what I need to know at the appropriate time? Who am I to think that I know more about teaching kung fu than my Sifu does?
I can't imagine a disciple questioning the pace of his training.
Does the motivation for questions like these boils down to impatience? If it is, it's draped in a veil of disrespect. Is it reflective somehow of a student's commitment one way or another? Could it just be enthusiasm?
Do you have any thoughts on the subject?