True Meaning of the Grade of a practitioner and the mastery of his art:
Meaning of the Grade:
Traditionally coloured belt and sashes were not present in martial art schools. They are a representation of the blood ,sweat and struggle that the practitioner goes through to attain his or hers skill. In the Bayou Wing Chun Club, grades of students are represented by the colour of their T-shirts there are only 3 levels; Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced. Black for beginners, Grey for intermediate and white for advanced. The sash is used in the advanced levels to support the training of the practitioners and to contain their dantian energy in place, i.e. not allowing it to sink.
It is true that the knowledge acquired, physical and technical ability are important ingredients in the success of a practitioner and that it highlights his or hers understanding of the physical aspect of the art; but truly it is only a very small aspect that is encapsulated within the Moral code of Martial art and its value or virtue (such as patience, diligence, loyalty to the art, ect…). Without it the practitioner maybe highly graded (Black belts and gold sashes…etc) but will be considered as no different than a trained person without a code in the context of the true meaning of martial arts. From my understanding, unless the practitioner tames the enemy within and learn and understand about his true self, his or her development will stay limited and a tragedy, in contrast with limitless and real success (not based on status). In my humble opinion this was the real goal of all martial arts, to attain a level of self knowledge and discovery, ultimately bringing with it, inner peace, and thereafter projecting it outwardly to benefit humanity. That is certainly an ultimate challenge for us all.
“Those who conquer themselves are the true victors” The Buddha.
Mastery of the Art:
“True Mastery of the art is the mastery of the basics”.
“The man who moved a mountain was the one who began carrying away small stones”.
When you observe a master in action, they do not use a large numbers of techniques. Two or three at most, with maximum efficiency. Isn’t that food for thoughts? Or enough proof?
High level and advanced techniques should only be taught to diligent students/disciples that allowed their true self or character to flourish and those who are loyal to the art and to the ethics that it represents. Those students who are in search of the true meaning of martial arts and those who will represent it in its best light and those who help their communities at illuminating their suffering through training, discipline and self discovery.
Students who acquire martial arts solely for status, financial gain and power are to be advised to find other avenues. As martial arts take a long time if not a lifetime to appreciate fully.
“It is not the destination but the journey that matters”.