Living in cultures with a Buddhist tradition, like Nepal, Laos, Thailand and Japan, provided me with a compelling insight into the fact that any religious undertaking, once institutionalized, would result in predominantly empty forms, superstitions, dogmas, and rituals, away from the living essence of truth.

(Michael Krohnen)

Addressing the teacher

Respect is the first consideration in a martial arts class.
Traditionally, it is demonstrated through formality: bowing to the teacher and other students.

In a karate class the teacher is addressed as 'sensei'. In a kung fu class it is 'sifu'.

Tai chi classes often forgo the formality and the teacher is usually called by their first name.
The formality may not be present in a tai chi class, but the respect should remain.

Showing respect

You can show respect to your teacher without being formal. Good manners are all you need.

You can show respect to other students by ensuring their wellbeing during partner work and helping them out if they are less experienced than you.


Being respected

Everybody deserves respect.

Not because they have done something or because they are 'someone' - even a stranger should be respected.
The Art of War teaches you to respect your enemies.

In a tai chi class, your attendance and perseverance will gain you greater respect.


Disrespect

There are many ways to show disrespect but bullying and arguing are the worst.
Martial arts classes seldom tolerate either.
This is why we have a code of conduct.

You must also show self-respect by being clean and looking after yourself properly.


Parity

Even though your teacher may be called 'Dave' rather than 'sensei' do not mistake the informality to mean parity.
In terms of knowledge and skill you are not equals.

Your teacher has designed a syllabus which contains information you cannot understand until you have completed it.
They spend considerable time and effort coaching, guiding, assisting you.
Their patience, care and understanding is shown in the way that they teach you.


Contribution

A beginner, intermediate or experienced level student lacks the necessary experience to comment on the inner workings of the syllabus.

With patience, what seems to be lacking in the syllabus will be addressed as the student progresses through the material.

With rare exceptions, less advanced students do not contribute to the knowledge of the school.
They add nothing significant to the teachers own knowledge.

An advanced level student looks at progress in terms of decades.
They can physically 'do' the tai chi and can discuss complex aspects of the syllabus with the teacher on a more equal footing.
Their insights are informed and considered, with a strong foundation in both principle and practice.

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Page created 19 January 2005