One of the most intriguing aspects of the martial arts is the master instructor. The fascination we have with the sensei is evidenced everywhere from comic books to movie theaters. The familiar image is burned into the fabric of pop culture: the mysterious and technically proficient instructor who will impart knowledge to the student at the very moment the student is willing to accept it. While most of us love that idealistic view, we should remember that all instructors are human and, therefore, fallible.
With the litany of titles used in the martial arts—sir, ma’am, master, grandmaster, guru, sifu, coach and so on—it’s easy to place instructors on pedestals that can supersede common sense. While the need to show respect is vital in the arts, that need must not override the notion that instructors can and should be questioned. Too often, students will refrain from voicing inquiries out of respect. Even more worrisome is when instructors are left completely unchecked simply because of their reputation or status within the martial arts community.
I’VE BEEN FORTUNATE to have had instructors who were open to new perspectives. Their passion for knowledge was so great they’d readily admit if someone had information that could help them evolve their original belief. I learned early on that not only was it acceptable to be receptive to a better way of doing something, but it also was expected.
After being exposed to so many open-minded instructors, I never hesitated to voice my opinion if I thought a skill set seemed ineffective. If an instructor was reviewing something that didn’t make sense, I’d respectfully ask for clarification. The simple habit of using critical thinking taught me how to quickly ascertain which instructors really understood their material—and which were simply repeating information they’d been taught.
The more knowledgeable instructors would clearly reveal why they taught something. Intellectually, they owned the material and would explain it, evolve it or simply get rid of it if they thought it was no longer the most effective information. True understanding of a concept provides a greater freedom to grow. Most important, concepts should never be stagnant. Knowledge is fluid.
THE DIFFICULTY IN CHALLENGING material is the old concept of the sacred cow. If I see instructors teaching something I don’t agree with, I want to know why they teach it. Perhaps their motive is one I haven’t considered and I need to re-evaluate my position. Of course, the other possibility is they really don’t know why they teach it and therefore need to re-evaluate theirs.
Unfortunately, when popular instructors are questioned, others often jump to their defense and offer reasons why the information is relevant. Rank, experience, number of students, success of their program and athletic achievements are just a few of the explanations offered. In actuality, none of those reasons should ever prohibit someone from respectfully asking for clarification or challenging the material as inefficient or ineffective. Regardless of who they are, their material should be subject to scrutiny.
IF OUR INDUSTRY is to continue evolving, we must be able to question the status quo. If we, as instructors, want our centers to grow, we must be willing to be questioned. Lose the concept of the sacred cow! No theory is above re-evaluation, no instructor above self-evaluation.
Ask yourself what you need to re-evaluate. Then, the next time you see or hear something that doesn’t make sense, ask for clarification. If one of your students questions you, don’t take offense. Listen and respond thoughtfully. Stop worrying about the sacred cow and start worrying about the legacy of leaving the best information available to the next generation of martial artists.
