The ancients said that there is no need to go into the forest to imagine what it is. It is enough to look at one tree.

The problem with the pupils

The previous part of the article was devoted to the problem of finding the teacher. Let us suppose that the problem is solved — finally you have found the only worthy mentor and there is no sin in learning from him. However, the feeling of euphoria quite quickly changes into pensiveness and doubts.

So you have found the teacher. But firstly, it does not necessarily mean that you will be given your articles. Secondly, even if you have started keeping terms, this is not to say that you will be taught. It should be noted that we discuss the problem of traditional oriental apprenticeship which came to the Westland in many different aspect. In the past, the beginners practise on the ground in front of the closed gate of the school (temple or the teacher’s house). In course of time the pupils, who had achieved more progress, got into the courtyard of the school, where they continued practice. Only a few of them approached the teacher’s mastery, and they were allowed to enter the house. The one, who was selected to inherit the system of the art from the master to impart the knowledge to the coming generation, could practice in the rooms to the back, safe from prying eyes.

This gradual selectivity was justified by the severe (sometimes exorbitant for ordinary people) requirements for the pupil personal identity. Consequently, the number of the devoted pupils was limited. On the other hand, the wide popularization of martial arts and the increasing in the number of the schools at present time has led to reduction of requirements for pupils, and often to their abolishment. So there are hundreds of thousands of kooks such called “one day pupils”. To be fair, it should be mentioned that there is the same situation in sports - not everyone got the chance to go in for sport for various reasons.

The one who was elected to take the art of system from the hands of the Master, to convey to the next generation, could practice away from prying eyes, in the back rooms of the house the Master

The requirements of teachers to students are often known and understandable only to themselves. As a rule, these requirements are hidden. They are not declared and may vary from school to school. So the beginners never know what to expect. Nevertheless, do not doubt that if you're a novice in the gym, everybody takes yours measure and sum you up. On the whole, the criteria, which “the true pupil” has to correspond with, are foundation of ethical sphere.
The traditional ritual of inward esteem and respect is especially important with the teacher. None of your talents, abilities and unique qualities does impress the teacher more than your decent behaviour. At the lessons you may learn more quickly learn the material and achieve better results in practice than your mates, but one disrespectful word or a thoughtless action can block the access to the knowledge for a long time, or even forever.

There are many legends about the loyalty of pupils to their mentors. Crafty tests, related to ethical choice to remain devoted to the master even on pain of death, were basic to a lot of Chinese novels. The requirement of devotion has not become out of date. More loyal and trustworthy pupils stand a better chance to gain access to the knowledge than his talented, but wilful mate.

One of mental features, which are highly appreciated, is the ability to imagination. There are some widely known teaching method, one of whom is “arousing interests”, when the pupils are showed some elements or principles, which are immediately “forgotten” (advisedly are not repeated). Without imagination, this information fades from the memory soon. However, the inquisitive mind and quick-wittedness of the pupil may lead him to a much boarder understanding and use of what he has seen and join them with other elements of the system.

The ancients said that there is no need to go into the forest to imagine what it is. It is enough to look at one tree.

The Eastern method in description of a personality often consists in the characterization of what it does not possess not merely in martial arts but in everyday life. It is believed that “the true pupil” forms the necessary qualities during the process of practice. The lack of some qualities or abilities (a kind of futility), sometimes is a merit, not a drawback. A saying that “it is necessary to empty the contents out of a cup to fill it with water” is well-known.

There are some qualities which will complicate the practice and won’t let the pupils to approach the knowledge in the traditional schools. Laziness, carelessness, recklessness, excitement, touchiness, greed, impudence, complacency, unreliability, inattention, backbiting... It is clear. Each of us, of course, denies the existence of such qualities into oneself. Nevertheless, the important thing is not what we think about ourselves, but how others see and perceive us. I want to repeat it again: nobody called you — you came and asked to teach you. So you should probably give some thought to what you look like from the outside, if you want to succeed in such a delicate activity as Martial Arts.

At moment, when you begin to feel that the practice has become something more than mere lessons, which give some physical load and self-defence skills at the same time; when you are drawn to the practice place and you wait for this — only then you become a pupil. Overall, the whole vast group of people, engaging in martial arts, can be divided into three sub-groups.

1. “Shallow pupils”. They are about 90 %. For them the practice is a fun game. The time they spend into the gym is pleasant entertainment. They think they engage.
2. “Sincere pupils”. The sub-group is much smaller, about 9 % of the general number. The activity has become a favourite, serious hobby for them. They are persistent and consistent towards to the practice. Their intentions are genuine and the diligence and desire to get the intended effect distinguish the work they do in the gym. They're trying to do Martial Arts.
3. “True pupils”. A man in a thousand. They may be 1 %. It is most likely - even less. There is no difference between ordinary social life and martial arts for such people. The practice matters have filled their lives and changed their inner essence. They live with the same principles, which they practice. Their practice turns into the real Knowledge. The place where they practice can be called a School.

P. S. I want to support the beginners who haven’t thought about the problems described above, and have not determined yet their real intentions. If you only broke the ice and something goes wrong - do not despair. After all, you are on your Path. Any path begins with the first step. Remember that to walk the Path is the true purpose and happiness.

Date: 2016-04-22; view: 983