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Raising the standards of the martial arts

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How Do You Define Mastery?

9/19/2016

2 Comments

 
In the martial arts, the abundance of Masters and Grandmasters can't be overlooked. Now, I personally do not use for myself or award the title of "Master" to anyone, as I believe there is only one Master, but I still define mastery of the art as this. In my system, an apprentice master (4th Dan) should exemplify the meaning of the shogo title "renshi," being a polished teacher. They have technical mastery of the art, along with the understanding and philosophies that embody the system. By the time they become a full master (5th Dan) is when I expect them to be a Master among Masters. They should have a wide expanse of information and knowledge of not just our system but general information about most of the major arts out there. I want a master in my system to be able to speak intelligently with anyone they'd encounter at a martial arts event, regardless of the other person's background. They're leaders among not just our student base but the community in general. They are perfect representatives of myself and our system. 

However, I know everyone defines mastery differently. So how do you define mastery? At what rank are your students eligible to earn master-level titles? We'd love your feedback. Answer in the comments below!
2 Comments
Richard Hackworth link
9/19/2016 08:04:13 am

Although "Master" is a title that is award to you by other and earned through mastery of all aspects of your art you are only a master of yourself and your art but a teacher to others who shares his art. A fair and honest teacher shares his art equally to all of his deserving students while a corrupt teacher saves his best material and only shares it to his favorite students.

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Bret Gordon
9/19/2016 08:07:40 am

I'm not sure if I agree with that last statement about corrupt teachers being the only ones to hold information back. In nearly all classical Japanese arts, there's a level of material called okugi (hidden teachings) that is reserved for the those who have reached the highest levels in the art, and generally will become the inheritor of the art.

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