Preserving The Path and Legacy
Often in the martial arts world, instructors share what they enjoy or feel works best for them. This shaky ground is both a blessing and a curse, and it is something every instructor should balance out carefully as they share the lessons and legacy bestowed to them.
A student needs an instructor who is knowledgeable in self-defense to help them understand the meaning of “martial” in martial arts. Through years of practice, the instructor has found what works and what doesn’t work. They have discovered the little nuances that make a huge difference when it comes to a “no-nonsense” approach in self-preservation. They have navigated the shark-infested waters and now can tell the student to swim left or right so they can reach their destination. They have lived a “sculptor’s life.”
“In building a statue, a sculptor doesn't keep adding clay to his subject. Actually, he keeps chiseling away at the nonessentials until the truth of his creation is revealed without obstruction.” Bruce Lee
An experienced instructor can eliminate years of struggles for the student by helping them focus on the bare necessities, which will allow them to progress easier in their training. As many years pass, the student might even share their knowledge with the next generation.
As this continues, so does the “chiseling” to what was once known as a complete art. This process leaves future generations with no “clay” to work with at all because the instructor wasn’t careful in sharing “his subject” or the “truth of his creation.” Instead, they have created a void in the student’s training formula by presenting the solution before the student has experienced the problem. Every challenge a student faces helps them not only problem solve; but also dig deeper inside to face their inner demons. This crucial process is what builds an indomitable spirit, which is the backbone, heart, and soul of martial arts.
The student should experience all of their art, which includes key elements that exist in each individual technique, but at the same time, transcend through every martial art. Only through time, patience, and perseverance can this be learned with an instructor.
“I am not teaching you anything. I just help you to explore yourself.” Bruce Lee
Future generations may continue this journey if the instructor acts as only a facilitator in the developmental process. When the instructor puts his opinions in the backseat, the student will learn to grow to their fullest potential. In the end, this develops a hunger that will last a lifetime, maintaining the path, preserving the art, and sharing the Legacy.
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Guro Larry, Sonja, Lauren & Tori St. Clair
Martial Way Legacy
"A Compass to the Preservation of Bruce Lee’s Philosophy and Legacy"
http://www.martialwaylegacy.com
512-821-3637
