Learning by leading

There comes a time in some students training that they are asked to take a leadership role in the school. Depending on the teacher and the student, this time may come after only a few years of training while it may also take a lot longer. What is important to understand for the student is that this time presents a rare opportunity to grow and develop and also is an important way to ‘put back’ into the school. The most common form of learning in most schools is learning by following, at least early on in a student’s training life. Quite often, it is all too easy to mentally ‘switch off’ while following someone else and this laziness is an impediment to efficient growth and development.

At some stage, the teacher may select a student to take the class for a set of forms or training routines. This presents an opportunity to learn by leading, which is a more advanced and challenging form of learning as it  requires avid concentration, focus and self reflection. For some students, being required to lead the class can be a daunting and even frightening experience and the list of difficulties that students may encounter are limited only the variety of students themselves, however some of the more common concerns I have heard include:

• Confusion around what they should be doing or whether they are doing it right;
• Uncertainty around whether the class will follow;
• Uneasiness and discomfort that they are being singled out among the many;
• Apprehension around how the teacher or their fellow students will regard them;
• Fear of mucking it up!

The best thing about learning through leading is that it helps the student to confront and overcome their unique range of fears and apprehension. With good support from the teacher and fellow students, getting up and leading the class will slowly, but surely, chip away at your fears while also deepening your understanding of your art.

Learning how to Quit

Today I learnt that one of our oldest students had decided to quit. While this came as no surprise to me as the students attendance was sporadic at best, what did come as a shock was that he had not told our Sifu. When I heard this I was quite sad as Sifu treated this person as a son over many years. Years ago I remember the parent of a young student of mine bringing their child to class one day, just to tell me in person that they had decided that the art was not for them. I can’t remember who that person was, their gender or age, but I do remember the importance. It was important to the parent that the child understood that when someone has put time and effort into teaching you, the very least they deserve is to be told in person that you no longer wish to learn anymore. It is more than good etiquette; it is decency, consideration and respect for others.