Earlier this month I had the opportunity to train with other black belts and Professor George Lim. The training was rigorous with physical activity with some rest periods that were designed for some introspection and discussion. I used the time to open my mind up to any ideas or methods that I could bring back to our school for implementation. I did not learn any new earth-shattering techniques or concepts. And I wasn’t expecting to either. But a few thoughts did come to mind.
The first thought was how much of martial arts is a gift. It is truly not a commodity that you can walk in to any convenience store and come out with the techniques and skills of the type of martial arts that we train in. It is the culmination of experience and time spent working with students in groups and in one on one sessions. It is the sweat and tears of past experience coming forth in the present and delivered in such a way as to have the most impact and the most benefit that a person can possibly receive. Martial arts changes lives: it gives those that need confidence the tools they need to stand up straight and speak with a loud an clear voice; it generates enthusiasm for living a more fit life; it provides the means for some to be able to protect themselves or a loved one in a potentially dangerous situation.
As I was relearning a weapons form called “Staff Set” flashes of previous training sessions more than 8 years ago came into my mind. The emotions were overpowering and at several points I was choked up and nearly in tears. I could remember specific instances and the instruction that was being given to me by three different instructors on several different occasions. I could remember their exact words and tone of voice, and the patience they had with me as I was learning. I picked the form back up very quickly, but as I was repeatedly performing it on my own, the memories continued to come back. Finally, I stopped and it came to me: Staff Set was given to me with patience, and yes even love. It was beautifully wrapped and I did enjoy it. But it has sat unused in a closet for many years. After blowing the dust off and polishing it back up to a nice shine, I think I can properly make use of the gift. I believe that the best use of this gift is to 1) first show those that gave it to me how much I appreciate it by not letting it go unused, 2) gifting it to someone that will do likewise, and 3) letting my students know where the gift came from in the first place.
Instructors and students should be aware of how much this art is a gift. Your instructor is gifting you with his knowledge, time, patience, energy, and compassion. No amount of money or monthly fees can truly pay for the gifts that are given and received. Sure, a monthly fee is charged, this pays for the location to train, but hardly any more than that. The gifts of the knowledge and skills are extra special because they are so very unique to each instructor. Each individual instructor has a unique perspective and training experience in the martial arts. Much of the knowledge that we receive and pass on to students is done through many hours of sweat, and even tears. It is earned by hard work and sometimes slow progress. It is earned by humility as we put aside our existing biases and try to see through the instructor’s eyes while the instructor is trying to see through our eyes.
The word of the month for May was compassion. How appropriate! Treat your skills as the gifts they are. Remember them and be thankful. Everyone that has spent time with you in increasing your skills should be respected for that time and effort expended on your behalf. I now more fully understand why we salute our ‘elders’ in the dojo. And I appreciate all our students and their families – for allowing me to give this gift to them. I learn more than I teach and am a better person because of the impact of each of you in my life.
I would like to thank my instructors that have spent time and energy on my behalf to help me become a better martial artist:
I learned my basics from my Kenpo Professor and his wife: Professor George Lim and Aunty Patrice Lim. For the first several years all of my kata that I learned came from Aunty Patrice. I did not recognize the privilege of that at the time. Looking back and knowing how exact and dedicated she is to the perfection of the art, I now understand what a privilege it was. Professor, of course, influenced me in a lot of ways...most importantly, to relax - and sometimes I actually do.
I learned my Kajukenbo from Professor Sal Banuelos. Although I am not under the NAK umbrella, I recognize the knowledge that he taught me and recognize him as the very talented martial artist that he is. I was very fortunate to find NAK when I did, and was able to continue my training. It was through this process that I learned that I wanted to teach. And I am thankful to him for the many good memories that were made with NAK. NAK's Sihing Henry and Sifu Chava are also talented martial artists and instructors that I have had the opportunity to train with and learn from: I am thankful for that period of my training.
Kumu Hackleman's Pit training has provided me training seminars that truly help me to improve our school's MMA program in a very unique way. He has taught me so much already and I appreciate our affiliation.
Peppered throughout my classes, students will often hear statements like: 'my Kaju Professor says...' or 'Kumu Hackleman taught that...' Our recognition of where our knowledge comes from closes the circle on the gifts that we have been given.
Obviously, I have not yet perfected my art. I look forward to many more years of learning, growing and teaching. I appreciate not only all my instructors but my students as well for their willingness to accept the gifts I am now able to pass on to them.
As always, Train Strong to Remain Strong!
Sifu Kelly Corder
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