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HOW TO BE A GOOD STUDENT
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In most cultures, being a good student means getting good grades. Because, of course, without good grades how can one advance? Good grades show diligence and good memorization. Good grades show knowledge of facts that are often necessary to be successful in future careers. But being a good Martial Arts student is not about rote memorization and perfect grading. It is a relationship in which the Teacher mentors the student to learn not only the correct physical side, but the mental, emotional, spiritual, energetic and cultural side. Most westerners think that reading books, watching videos and having a lot of different teachers will give them MORE. More is better in our minds. We are often collectors of facts, techniques and experiences. The more we collect, the bigger our ego gets because we think have so much more than everyone else. But yet, the more we collect, the more we seem to need and the more we search. In fact, the need to have more never ends. Take a moment at look at the advertising you see. There is always a trick to tell you that you can have MORE.
Why do we have to learn HOW to be a good student?
The first thing you will have to realize is that if you weren't raised in a culture that teaches you to value Teachers deeply, you will have to LEARN how to LEARN. In China, for instance, Teachers are highly regarded. Teachers behave as if they have to uphold what they teach with years of knowledge and research. They behave as leaders and are treated with due respect according to their skills and knowledge. Young people are taught the etiquette and belief of respecting Teachers, Elders and Parents from an early age. Therefore, they make good students in the classroom and in Martial Arts. They do not have to learn to be good students for the most part. So they can just begin their studies and will often learn more quickly.
For most western cultures, we have so much freedom of choice that we are obsessively opinionated. Many people question everything, so much so they become ego centric. And others don't question enough, and perhaps they follow whatever seems to be in the moment. To be a good student, especially of the arts, means you follow your Teacher's teachings, and on a deeper level you follow their example in life. But you think it over yourself and through time and patience, you begin to understand. If you understand everything right away, or within a few years, you would be a Master already. Perhaps too many people think they are Masters. Of course, then their cup is too full and they can never learn anything. At Gold Summit we have the famous Chinese book, DI ZI GUI, meaning "Standards for being a good student." All students should read it a few times over during their first few years.
For most western cultures, we have so much freedom of choice that we are obsessively opinionated. Many people question everything, so much so they become ego centric. And others don't question enough, and perhaps they follow whatever seems to be in the moment. To be a good student, especially of the arts, means you follow your Teacher's teachings, and on a deeper level you follow their example in life. But you think it over yourself and through time and patience, you begin to understand. If you understand everything right away, or within a few years, you would be a Master already. Perhaps too many people think they are Masters. Of course, then their cup is too full and they can never learn anything. At Gold Summit we have the famous Chinese book, DI ZI GUI, meaning "Standards for being a good student." All students should read it a few times over during their first few years.
The type of student you don't want to be
- A student with no goals or ambition to become better, is not a good student. This type just shows up and hopes it will come naturally. Sometimes they just walk around in a fog.
- The opposite student, who has too much ambition and too many goals, usually lacks the patience to deeply succeed. They may not truly listen to their Teacher, or think things over on a deep level.
- The student who just shows up to feel better but does not have real interest to learn the art form, is not the best student.
- Finally, a student who is filled with doubts and does not truly hear the Teacher, is most likely wasting their Teacher's time and their own- and is not fit to be the student.
Some tips on HOW to be a good student
- Practice gratefulness for the time of your Teacher. Don't feel or act entitled to someone else's time. A Teacher doesn't just have their own family to care for, they care for their students which could be anywhere from 20 students to 100's. In addition, an experienced Teacher may writing books, running an organization and traveling internationally. Your Teacher will give you their full attention as much as he or she can, but you should always remember that their time is precious. A lot of students think that they are really busy too, so THEIR time should be valued and they do not consider the true sacrifice of their Teacher. But remember that as a student, you came to learn-your Teacher did not come to you.
- Pay your dues on time. This is a form of respect. If you cannot, be sure to communicate your intention and don't take it lightly.
- Practice gratitude for the actual teachings, especially the philosophy and specialized techniques. These are rare jewels in today's modern world.
- Learn and practice the etiquette sincerely. Practice will help you to see that the etiquette is a window into the philosophy at first. Later it becomes a part of the student who is truly sincere.
- Trust and set aside your doubts. After you have respectfully asked questions, have practiced enough to see that the training works, and have seen the Master and other students as good people-set aside your doubts. If you have deep inner doubts even then, perhaps you should either discuss with your Teacher or change your ways. The other option is not to study because you are not able to be a good student, but this is easy way out and is not always the best choice.
- Practice paying close attention to things that seem insignificant. For instance, how does your Teacher do things outside of class time? They are not a marvel superhero, but usually a Master does certain things quite differently. You can learn many things from time with your Teacher outside of class. In fact, this is one of the traditional ways of learning.
- Ask questions after you have thought it over yourself first. Don't be afraid to ask. On the flip side, don't just ask any old thing that pops into your head. Remember to value someone else's time.
- Try, try and try again. Patience and more patience. Don't give up so easily. Trust the methods, especially if you see good health and happiness in your Teacher. Especially if you see other students have benefited beyond just losing weight and getting in shape-but more deeply. This means that the methods work and you must give it time.
- Don't view your Teacher as a friend first, unless you are friends.
- Don't be nosy. Your relationship with your Teacher is most important, not gossiping or thinking about your Teacher's private affairs.
- When you gain skill, you don't simply run off and forget where you came from. Even Jet Li still pays tribute and respect to his first Wu Shu Teacher who is now in his 60's.
- Be honest and forthright with your Teacher. Don't lie or hide to impress. A good Teacher will be the same way with you.
- Listen to the difficult corrections and advice with an open heart. A good Teacher says difficult things to wake you up and help you to heal and grow.
- Don't take your Teacher for granted. After years of practicing, do not start making assumptions or sleeping through lessons.
- Don't assume that you know everything about the Master and their skills. Is is guaranteed that they do not reveal all of their skills at once. A Master's skills will go beyond the physical techniques and fighting. Usually they will have skills in other arts, spiritual practices, communication, cooking and even high levels of mental acuity. Some may even border on having seemingly super natural abilities. The main point is don't become cocky or assume anything. The arts can be practiced for a lifetime. Of course, don't blindly assume that all Teachers are at a high level either.