What Mastery Means to Me

I have been reflecting on this question for quite some time. Obviously, because I'm posting this on the very last due date. Today, I went for a 4 mile run in a public park. It is designed to be a hiking trail, so it is very secluded. Despite this, I did run into my sister-in-law and her boyfriend as they were hiking. During my run, I knew I had to develop a view to write down on this subject. I believe what has been holding me back from answering the question is the feeling I am setting my opinion in stone. Now I know, that is not true. I'm writing my definition and view at this moment in time. It could change tomorrow, next year, or 25 years from now, and that's okay.

Today, my view is simply mastering something. Yes, something is very broad. But, people can be the master of anything. It can be making cupcakes or growing fantastic tomatoes. Both can be wonderful things.

The term master is used frequently in martial arts. I have seen "masters" of their art who deserved the honor and I have seen those who in my opinion did not. It is nothing more than an opinion. When I teach my cross country team the proper form in running, I hope they master those taught skills. I also hope it increases their speed in order to win events. I have seen these taught skills slow students down. If it is temporary, and their speed increases with the improved form, I'm okay with that. If that speed does not return, I'll probably tell them to go back to what they were doing before. Many NFL scouts got all over Tim Tebow's case because of his throwing motion. He worked on it at a training center near my home, and he ended up being drafted in the first round. His college coaches decided to leave it be. He has 3 college national championships to his name. Who cares about his throwing motion. Well, NFL folks do, but when his time comes, and he is not winning, they may go back to letting him do "his" thing.

In martial arts, I attempt to master a technique, form, and application of those things. To me, mastery is a goal right now. I honestly do not feel like I have mastered anything in martial arts. I simply try to get a little bit better every day. Perhaps one day, Sifu Steven or Master Tom will inform me that I have mastered something. I will be honored, but I will continue to get better every day. I tell my runners on my cross country team, "Just try to get a little better every day, and everything else will take care of itself." I also adapt and try new things as I see fit. I believe that is an important key in kung fu...to adapt. If one does not adapt, they will become stagnant, and they lose what they have already mastered. Many kung fu masters are very good at adapting, and I believe Master Tom has done a wonderful job adapting to the changing world around him and well as his own skill set. It is why he is a Master. Yet, in other systems such as TKD and karate, I have seen individuals not willing to change, and they are in their 30s and watching class from the sidelines. They chose not to adapt or change. They do not see past being able to do a jumping spin kick. They have master in front of their names, but all they do is count in Japanese or Korean. That's sad to me. Yet, I have seen a wonderful world in Chinese martial arts. It is something you can honestly practice at 8 or 80, and much of that has to do with adapting to the surrounding world, but more importantly, to the always changing YOU.