We see this time and time again, students come and join our classes after having studied for several months or even years at another school or system, and then spend a significant amount of time trying to explain what they learned or saw elsewhere, instead of trying to be quiet and just accept and learn what is being shown or presented to them here.
Frankly, we don't care what so and so taught you. If you come in with preconceived notions or ideas, the only person you are hindering is your own growth when you come to class. Also, when you come to OUR class, and you are spouting nonsense or arguing with what is being presented to you here, you pose a distraction to the other students here in class. Please understand WHY you are here in our class. Are you here to learn or are you trying to justify what you have learned somewhere else?
Personally, I have teaching credentials in over 5 different martial arts spanning almost 40 years of training time. When I come to class, I listen to all my seniors here, and I listen intently to what Shifu has to say. In our Chen training, what I have done/seen or experienced means NOTHING. I am here to learn Chen Tai Chi as taught by Shifu.
Asking questions is good, so long as you are not debating what is presented to you during class. After class it is ok to discuss stuff if people are in tune with you.
Hopefully this post will make it easier for some of the new students coming into our group. Listen and watch, and learn. If you MUST talk about yourself, do it AFTER class. Thank you!
Well said.
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