Respect is about Ability, not Tradition

There are too many martial arts teachers that think by teaching the forms of a traditional martial art that they are doing right by their martial art. They give out black belts like halloween candy to anyone that knows the forms. These people are carrying-on the art in a dead tradition. They are zombies that have resigned to following tradition for tradition's sake alone. Perhaps its for a noble reason - to honor their teacher or promote the art that they love. Or maybe its to try to promote themselves. However, they've become a servant to their art. On the surface this doesn't sound too bad. However, they don't challenge themselves or welcome any freedom of thought as their art becomes too sacred to be challenged. They are doing a disservice to their art.

On the contrary, a martial art should be used as a vehicle to get from one place to another. Not to be disgarded as if you've reach some destination. Instead, an art gives the journey clarity and clarity is everything.

Too many traditional martial arts teachers demand respect for what they give with their words. But people should question this to see if what they have to give is even worth respect. Respect in martial arts is demanded through ability. Nothing more. Nothing less. Teachers must be continued examples of ability for their students. If a student comes to see their teacher as not having undeniable ability, they will not respect them. And rightly so. Those with undeniable ability get respect. Therefore a teacher must constantly seek to improve themself. This is the best gift they can ever give their students.

What's so great about a healthy student/teacher relationship is its harmony. A student should constantly seek more from their self. This is the best gift they can give their teacher as the best sign of a teacher is their student's ability.

Orange County Wing Chun - OC's Wing Chun source