Originally posted by jbkenpo
Doc,
Way to bring a little Kenponet to Martialtalk...
We normally save the blatent disrespectful comments for KN where everyone can anonamously rip on each other (as you know).
I don't know that Seig deserved all of that...
just my thoughts I could be wrong, jb:asian:
You are wrong, I said nothing "blatant disrespectful" to anyone. I did pose some questions about a student teacher relationship I find quite valid.
First of all, Seig and I have communicated privately on this topic and are in agreement, so no slight to him. (And I might add allow some one who feels slighted to speak for themselves to avoid misunderstandings). Additionally As a teacher my position is a simple one. If you have a teacher and he won't give you information you want, then you should find another teacher rather than attempt to circumvent his manner of instruction. If you think your teacher is wise enough to teach you than why are you questioning his decisions? If you don't think he is wise than move on, or maybe you should just tell him what you want to learn and when you want to learn it. After all you know best right? Better yet, teach yourself.
There are alot of people that actually believe they can go out and explore and "discover" all this information. Sorry to tell you but you can't. You can bounce around all you want from this guy to that, and in the long run you'll discover you got nothing of substance. I personally have never lost a student because he wasn't getting enough information.
My students will tell you I never deny anyone the right to explore, search, visit, workout, whatever they want to do, but if you think you know what's best in what and how I teach, than you should be teaching instead of me.
When it comes to nerve strikes etc., that is very dangerous information and any MD will tell you that. So when some guy says "My instructor only showed me a little bit but I want more," He's attempting to bypass his teacher in a dangerous area. Considering I don't know either one personally, I have to believe that there is a reason his techer is not giving him certain information, and I for one will not help him circumvent his instruction.
I know you "bouncers" out there who have grown up in this "martial arts exploration" culture find it hard to believe that there are things only a teacher can give you over an extended period of time when he sees you are ready for it, but it's true.
This is one of the major problems with the modern eclectic interpretations of the martial arts. Bruce Lee and others have convinced you that you can flitter around and then put "your own thing" together. Well you can, and that's all you'll have. Funny most of the guys you respect didn't do that, but for some reason you thnk you can. I have an idea everybody, let's start at the top, and work our way up.
OK rant over. Truth be told, it's about what you want out of it. If that's all you want, than I guess it's OK. Just don't be surprized when you find you don't really have much.
Did I study with more than one person? Yes, I did, but I stayed with one man almost 30 years. My suggestion: As long as you continue to learn and improve, as well as respect your teacher, stay where you are. When you stop, move on. Like I said, I have never lost a student to another art or teacher.
PS: JB, you should know better. Almost everybody e-mails me on the side, and I make it a point to tell it as I see it without "political correctness" which I hate.