PEDESTAL WITH WEAK BASE / 2003
Back in the 1960’s, since the beginning of the martial arts infusion in the United States, there have been many students of all arts, Karate, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, Kung-Fu, etc., that have risen to the position of Sensei or Sifu (Teacher). Some going further rising to Shihan (Master Instructor). Both are positions of honor and respect because they reflect the fact that you went through tough, no non-sense training and never once allowed yourself to quit as many around you did. In continuing with a strong mental posture and defying physical and mental stress, you have reaped the rewards of an honorable title that is and will always be respected in the Martial Arts World.
I remember thinking, in the beginning of my training, that one day I would reach this title and position, and I knew that it would be a long road of pain, sweat and perfection of technique. Within this was the understanding that the body, mind and spirit had to work together to allow me to succeed. I found myself many times rationalizing why I was doing things a certain way because I did not totally understand it. Time went by and I started to clearly see a purpose, at the very least a direction, behind everything, I was being taught.
One of my first thoughts was that fear comes from not knowing, and inner strengths come from the cultivation of physical technique, which led to spiritual enlightenment. In simple terms, I felt great because now I could truly protect myself with the inner confidence that I had gained from the physical practice.
One thing I have noticed since my early days of training back in the 1960’s/1970’s is that some instructors have taken the title of Sensei, Shihan, and Kyoshi to a different place. They literally put it through the crapper with what seems like complete forethought. I have seen Sensei, Shihan, and Higher, not fulfilling their obligations and filling their pockets with the money of people that trust the position they hold and honor them. There are those that have the “I got mine” attitude rather than “what does this student need to improve“ mentality that a true instructor should have. It is understood that the Martial Arts are a business to a degree Yes, you must make your rent payment each month or the dojo walls will come tumbling down. On the other hand, it should never be at the expense of those that trust and believe in you. I know that your responsibility to your family is a priority and if you are a full-time instructor, it can be a scary thing when your enrollment is down. However, if you have your senior level students leaving your side, you need to do some serious soul searching and admit that maybe in your Master wisdom, you have made some Major Masterful Mistakes.
If you think that I am talking to you, then the first step you need to take is to jump off the pedestal before you sprain your ankle or break a leg when it falls apart, and it will because you are only as strong as the students that believe in you!
The saddest thing I have seen through the years is when a good instructor with high potential falls into the game of “where is my next buck victim or student coming from”. When you lose your path, it is all the same and everyone around you is a dollar sign. Get back to the basics and remember where you came from. Think back to when you were learning your art and the great feeling that you embraced when practicing a new technique. Think hard and when you mentally get to that place, look closely. Do you see the instructor that taught you with his heart and stood before you pouring his knowledge and wisdom into you? The person that was always there to correct your mistakes and lead you, or do you see what you have become and it is not even close? Go back to the beginner’s mind and maybe you will get back on the path and allow the martial artist in you to come back. Run your business, but teach from your heart.
I am sure at one time or another some of you out there have witnessed this metamorphous and if you have not, you will because it is the reality of some. If unfortunately you are a witness to this and you care enough about the instructor then speak up! If you don't care , then run away from him/her as fast as you can. Their is nothing worst then a runaway train going nowhere.
Yours in training and sweat
Shihan Eddie Morales
Copyrights 2003