The Making of a True Martial Arts Master
Written by Tim Mousel
The title of "Master" is used so frequently in the martial arts community that it has lost a lot of its true meaning. In the past, the term "Master" was a title of respect bestowed on someone whom the community recognized as eminently skilled in the practice of a particular style of martial art. Most "Masters" were older, as they had practiced martial arts most of their lives and had developed a very high level of skill. Some had created new systems of combat or had improved on an existing one over the course of their years of study One thing was certain: anyone who was considered a "Master" could expect challenges to combat from other practitioners and even prospective students. The title was something of a liability as well as an honor. This stands in stark contrast to the use of the term today by self-appointed "Masters" and even "Grand Masters." So how do we recognize a "Master" if we should encounter one? Fortunately, there are some readily identifiable traits and character that a true "Master" possesses.
Skill is one such characteristic. As mentioned previously, a true Master should exhibit a high level of skill that comes from years of practice and attempts toward perfection. Movement should be not only fast, but more importantly, fluid and smooth. Observe a first year student's movements and then compare them to those of a more advanced practitioner. The difference between the two should be obvious. Similarly, there should be a significant difference between the advanced practitioner and a Master. While the differences may seem less obvious to the unskilled eye, the advance practitioner marvels at the difference between himself and the Master. This type of skill is obtained only after years of dedicated practice and sacrifice.
Open mindedness is another attribute of a true Master. It is absolutely essential in order to achieve a high level of ability in the martial arts. Without it, it is impossible to learn an art properly. The "I'll do it my way attitude" can be self-defeating. While learning a martial art, it is necessary to look at all it has to offer before making any judgments about it. Often, it is hard to conceptualize an art unless time is spent learning it as it is taught. Only after you have spent a number of years learning and practicing your art should you make any judgments about its merit. Without "emptying your cup" it is difficult to learn.
Coachability is the ability to listen and learn. When learning a new skill, don't dismiss it by saying that it is the same as technique number 59 from the "Know It All Do" style. Most likely, it is not technique number 59. Look at the setup, positioning and timing in which it is used. Many times these areas are what separate technique number 59 from the technique in the art being learned.
Willingness to put on a white belt year after year, decade after decade is an important trait. There is no "best" martial art. It there were, why would there be so many different styles? Some are "best" for kicking. Some are "best" for punching or trapping or grappling and some are "best" suited for weaponry. While contradictory to most traditional martial arts, cross training in the martial arts can help fill in the gaps.
A true martial arts Master is without ego. Usually, the martial artist who does the most talking about his/her deadly skills is also the martial artist who is most insecure. The true master has no need to boast. Actions speak louder than words.
One of the best examples of a martial arts master is Dan Inosanto. He is humble, down to earth, kind and possesses legendary skills. Looking at his background, that should come as no surprise. He began training in Okinawa Te and Ju-Jitsu at the young age of ten. He then took up Judo with Duke Yoshimura in 1957 and then Chito-Ryu in 1959.
In 1961, he met a person who would have an impact on his life forever. The man's name was Ed Parker, the "Father of American Karate." Parker introduced Inosanto to Bruce Lee in 1964 at the International Karate Championships. Inosanto was in charge of showing Bruce around town. After taking Bruce back to his hotel, the two continued their discussion of martial arts throughout the night until the early morning hours. Bruce offered to spar Inosanto. The rules? Bruce would use only his jab against all of Inosanto's empty handed tools. The results? Inosanto instantly became a dedicated student of Bruce Lee!
Lee must have found something he liked in Inosanto. Inosanto quickly became one of Lee's best friends and his top student. While Lee was away filming movies, Inosanto took over the teaching duties. Inosanto was instrumental in helping Lee with the development of the concepts and theories of Jeet Kune Do. JKD was a revolutionary way of approaching the study and practice of martial arts. Instead of being bound by one specific style, Lee and Inosanto studied a variety of martial arts. Once the strengths and weaknesses of each style were understood, the weaknesses were discarded while the strengths remained within their own personal methods. The objective was not to develop a new "style" but to develop a martial arts method that will work for the individual. Because of genetic makeup (speed, timing, size, strength, endurance, etc.) and personal preference, martial artists should not be molded into the same robotic mode of self-defense. Each person is different, and therefore will express themselves somewhat differently.
Today, Inosanto keeps busy running his martial arts academy in Los Angeles. He also travels the world 48 weekends a year teaching the martial arts. Not only is he the leading authority on Jun Fan/Jeet Kune Do, but he is also instructor certified in over 20 different styles of Filipino Martial Arts. He is President of the Shoot Wrestling Association, instructor certified in Thaiboxing, Krabi Krabong, Wing Chun, Kenpo Karate, Shorin Ryu Karate, Tai Chi, several styles of Indonesian, Malaysian, and Filipino Silat, Jeet Kune Do, and many more. With an empty cup he continues to learn new styles and methods. One of his latest endeavors is the study of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Dan Inosanto is without a doubt a true martial arts master. He is void of any ego and possesses world class skill. If you ever have the opportunity to meet this living legend, do it. You won't be sorry.
