Paying Attention in Class!

In class, we only have a limited amount of time to practice under the watchful eye of Shifu. When he is explaining a technique or a concept, he will ask us to concentrate and try to pay attention to all the details of what he is doing. As students loyal to Shifu, and to respect his teaching, we all need to be more aware of when he is speaking and demonstrating something. I believe that sometimes we take for granted his teaching and always believe that Shifu will be around to answer our questions or "show us again."

Years ago, I trained with a famous Japanese Karate Master. He would always tell us, "i will show you... three times...if you get it, great! If you don't, then you are not ready..." and he would NOT repeat something a 4th time. Sometimes, we'd have to wait 6 months and I remember one time, we waited over 2 years later before being shown that particular technique again.

Then again, I had another famous teacher, who would often tell us, "pay attention now, because you never know when i'll be back." That was because he worked in private security and he only taught us when he was in his home neighborhood. It forced us to focus hard while he taught us, and we were always very grateful for his presence and teaching. A particular concept he taught us, as an example saved 2 of my students from injury against an attacker with a blade! He would be gone months at a time, and then we'd be fortunate to study for a few hours with him, when he could spare us the time.

Finally, not only being respectful to Shifu, but being respectful to your fellow students in class. In a large room, sometimes it is difficult to hear and see what is going on. Adding additional noise and distraction takes away from the experience of your classmates.

I'm all for fun and having a good time while we train, but we musn't forget that we are there to learn and to grow, so let's all focus when we are in class! After class, is a great opportunity to speak, and joke, etc.
J