Given a bag of unknown seeds, one can only give it the best environment, observe how they respond to water, sunlight, soil condition and adapt accordingly based on observation. A lot of seeds looks similar but may mature to be something totally different. A great gardener provides the environment such that each plant can reach their full potential. No sane gardener ever try to make an orange tree become an apple tree.
Traditionalists are more interested to teach martial art as a “package” so that practitioners have to adopt not only specific skills, but the tradition, rules and forms in its entirety or you will be ousted. They are more interested in the replicating process than stimulating growth and ideas. In some ways, I see them as gardeners who try to make every seed mature as an orange tree.
I teach martial arts as a “science of movements (and the mind) with a purpose” so that new movement patterns and applications can evolve using simple but often overlooked principles – I want each individual to find his/her own groove. The quest for simple but effective ways to explain the science and principles behind each move fueled my own personal growth as well.
My sifu did not plan to become an instructor, I did not plan to teach martial arts either. Practice it with passion and the effort will be rewarded in ways you cannot even imagine.
Exercise
Write down any random thoughts that came into your head?
Do you really understand what you are doing?