by taichijourney » Sat Aug 21, 2010 11:43 pm
Hi
I am new here, but not to studying different styles. I am just getting acquainted with the YMAA organization, but it appears to me that they are trying to maintain good standards in martial arts training and spirit... You can never go wrong with that.
I am 57 and started studying the martial arts when I was 14. I have studied Judo, Kajukenbo and Shorin Yu Karate, Sil Lum (Shaolin) Kung Fu and now am starting to settle in to Tai Chi and Qi Gong (I don't heal as fast as I used too!).
I have, in my mind experienced the worst and the best in the martial arts over the years and have these two thoughts to convey:
I agree with Old Student ...
1. You WILL know a good Sensei or Sifu when you meet him or her. The self assured aire of a true master is unmistakable. They have nothing to prove and will teach through action.
2. A good teacher will teach you what you need to know. If that's form - and usually is when beginning a style, then do it. It that's technique then do it, if it's application... you get the idea...
My Sil Lum Sifu was the ONLY Caucasian taught by Professor TY Wong - immigrated here from China in 1935 in San Francisco and from what I recall, there was communication in action. Not a lot of talk.
Sounds like you are on the right track...
Go, watch, listen, talk little and study hard... Good luck