Black and White and a Few Other Colours
It seems to me (from my experience and observations), that most educational programs and teaching modalities are very black and white. The objectives you are required to meet are outlined and are literally written in black and white. I even recall instances where classmates demanded clarity on objectives as they felt they weren't laid out clearly enough. The "system" conditions us to be spoon fed information and when it is not we struggle. Have you ever heard something to the likes of "I can't find the answer in the book" or "they never taught us this"? I have three children and can definitely said I have. And if I am being honest, I am sure those word have spewed out of my mouth at some point.
Now don't get me wrong, there is a need to outline expectations and objectives with formal education and training, especially with younger students. But where is that magical mystical line where the student is given enough information and pointed in the right direction to take control of their own learning?
So...I can already hear everyone saying "Where are you going with this?".
I recall someone, I'm assuming a wise Sifu, saying something to the affect of information given to you will come and go, however information that you have discovered or compiled on your own is yours forever.
Mastery requires one to go beyond the arbitrary limits set by the average or the standard. To apply concepts and ideas in the real world. By doing so, expanding your understanding and intimacy of those concepts.
Mastery in Kung Fu is no different. In fact, the journey toward being a black belt is the epitome of this. To get a black belt, you do have to achieve certain benchmarks and be able to do certain things, but to "be" a black belt is so much more than this.
Being pointed in the right direction by Sifus and Master Sifus is essential, but it is up to the student to forge their path and discover their knowledge by expanding in the concepts provided.
Thanks for reading.
Mike Kohut
