I know there have been other threads somewhat touching on this before but just wanted to put this one out there.
What really makes a great Kung Fu teacher? IMO it's more than just a great fighter, as we all know you could be a great fighter due to your own perseverance and training efforts along with perhaps some natural ability thrown in, but does that mean you have the ability or insight to be able to pass on your skills? Does that great fighter also posses moral and ethical character? At my age the hope that I can fight like Bruce or GM Yip Man or other great Sifu's, has passed, I am after all a realist. But do I have the hope that I can teach and pass on my system which IMO should include strength of character and good morals, helping others and qualities to be found in a good human being? I think what makes a great Kung Fu teacher is a true understanding of ones system, it's subtle intracacies and nuances as well as sincere moral aptitude and depth of character including respect for people in general, your students and especially for other families and other styles. I guess what has brought this to my thoughts again is a case of someone in cyber world openly slamming a W.C. Sifu as not only not really teaching W.C. but also being the town drunk. To me this is dispicable and deplorable. Like they say, a small minded person only puts others down to try and lift themselves up, usually because they realise their own difficiencies and faults and have no other way to transend those issues than to be a negative ****. I only hope as I continue to grow in my Wing Chun that I do pass on and teach good skills not just in fighting ability but also as a decent human being. What are your thoughts out there?
Peace and blessings to all,
Buzz
What really makes a great Kung Fu teacher? IMO it's more than just a great fighter, as we all know you could be a great fighter due to your own perseverance and training efforts along with perhaps some natural ability thrown in, but does that mean you have the ability or insight to be able to pass on your skills? Does that great fighter also posses moral and ethical character? At my age the hope that I can fight like Bruce or GM Yip Man or other great Sifu's, has passed, I am after all a realist. But do I have the hope that I can teach and pass on my system which IMO should include strength of character and good morals, helping others and qualities to be found in a good human being? I think what makes a great Kung Fu teacher is a true understanding of ones system, it's subtle intracacies and nuances as well as sincere moral aptitude and depth of character including respect for people in general, your students and especially for other families and other styles. I guess what has brought this to my thoughts again is a case of someone in cyber world openly slamming a W.C. Sifu as not only not really teaching W.C. but also being the town drunk. To me this is dispicable and deplorable. Like they say, a small minded person only puts others down to try and lift themselves up, usually because they realise their own difficiencies and faults and have no other way to transend those issues than to be a negative ****. I only hope as I continue to grow in my Wing Chun that I do pass on and teach good skills not just in fighting ability but also as a decent human being. What are your thoughts out there?
Peace and blessings to all,
Buzz