On Kung Fu and Ogres

With all the changes to the syllabus and the outlining of the curriculum I have been fortunate to be able to listen to discussions and read blog posts regarding learning and teaching. From everything I’ve seen, by far the coolest thing about Kung Fu is that you never arrive. And what I finally realized is that teaching is just as layered and just as cool as learning.

Obviously you can always get better at something which means there is always something new to learn. But the depth of insight it takes to be a truly great teacher is awe inspiring. I remember the first class I taught in Onoway solo. I was shaking in my boots. I remember the technique I covered; spinning back fist. This was solely because I felt adequate with the technique and didn’t want to make a fool of myself. Then, after years of teaching, I finally felt comfortable in the role and forged ahead as I saw fit, not just as I felt I could.

I realize now how damaging my approach may have been to the students. What I taught depended on what I hadn’t covered recently and how I taught didn’t change from class to class. I had little to no empathy for what my students really needed besides what holes where present in their knowledge. I thought that was all there was.

I now know to look deeper. Sometimes a nudge is all that’s needed. Sometimes a discussion is required. Sometimes the best instruction is no instruction.

There are so many layers to teaching. What knowledge do I have that they need is such a small part. Compassion for a student is so much more valuable than knowledge. For a few years now I ask myself why? Why are they doing what they’re doing or moving the way they’re moving? Quite often I cannot answer the question for myself. I see it, I don’t understand it. I am glad I have the confidence to approach someone with more experience than myself, for every time I do I learn and I become a little better for it.