Every martial arts instructor inherently controls the atmosphere of the dojo. It is the power and authority of all mantles whether government, company, church or in the home. The governed tend to follow suit according to the leader. As a leader if you strive to create a dojo of learning and fun you can acquire it through strategic leadership. All things are born first spiritual and then temporal. As such, there may be certain expectations and even requirements that every student must adhere to. Aside from codes of conduct I have three things on a personal level that I require of every student.
Teachable Mind - Prior to entering the dojo I expect pride to drop. It's not the military. I don't consider you a maggot until you obtain a certain rank. However, in order to learn and progress one must attend their classes with a teachable mind. This cannot be done if one is prideful or thinks they have a level of skill above another. This mindset actually hinders learning. It erects growth boundaries that one cannot extend beyond. The deceit of it is that these boundaries are rarely seen or identified by the person. However, these boundaries built by pride are often seen by others.
Of course, as a student learns this in the dojo they will know that I will expect this to carry beyond the mats. It is a part of integrity to carry honor at all times. So come to class with a teachable mind and you'll grow with more substance than you ever thought possible.
Willing Heart - This is closely related to a teachable mind. A student with a willing heart has the capacity to integrate the arts into their life. They are willing to take the extra step out of faith of a greater outcome down the road. The opposite of a willing heart is a reluctant heart. The heart of a martial artist has the fibers of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control and an indomitable spirit. These qualities are enhance through learning the physical and spiritual disciplines of the martial arts. A person with a willing heart is willing to test the counsel and assignments given by the instructor through practice.
Dictaphone - Alright, that was supposed to throw you off in a demented humorous sort of way. Actually, an optional requirement of mine is an avenue to record your thoughts. I always carry with me an electronic digital dictaphone. You know, sorta like the ones you see journalists and reporters carry around. Even a pad and pencil will do. Whatever it takes to give you the liberty and means to record your thoughts that you want to reflect on without fearing your own forgetfulness.
Some of man's greatest revelations or inspirations come during times of focus and the pursuit of physical and mental training. As I go through my motions and concentrate on perfection of technique there are times when the floodgates of new techniques and new life lessons present themselves. Admittedly, I tend to forget a lot of things. One way to combat this is to carry with me my dictaphone. Don't be afraid to use your chosen fashion of recording. When inspired - stop and record. Even during class time if a student of mine is inspired I would consider it derelict of duty to the self if they don't stop and record.
These three requirements come to mind first and foremost because it is what I use when I enter the dojo. In the solitude of training the first two help me to ensure growth as I leave the door compared to when I entered. The last ensures that my weakness of mind doesn't lose important inspirations forever.
Concerning recording your thoughts I have found that just the very effort of saving and recording a thought actually enhances the meaning and helps you remember it. This is predicated upon the laws of pondering. Recording your thoughts makes you ponder over them. You want to capture every bit of information you came up with. As you do this doors and wider fields of view begin to encroach your understanding. This is magnifying the inspiration received.
Aside from the dojo I would encourage all to consider three requirements either for yourself or your family. Make these requirements a part of your discipline. Even if you are not a leader you still govern yourself. Therefore, as a leader of yourself you still govern the atmosphere of your mind, body, spirit and environment. You are accountable. Let those requirements foster learning with a teachable mind, a willing heart and by all means record the inspirations you receive.
Teachable Mind - Prior to entering the dojo I expect pride to drop. It's not the military. I don't consider you a maggot until you obtain a certain rank. However, in order to learn and progress one must attend their classes with a teachable mind. This cannot be done if one is prideful or thinks they have a level of skill above another. This mindset actually hinders learning. It erects growth boundaries that one cannot extend beyond. The deceit of it is that these boundaries are rarely seen or identified by the person. However, these boundaries built by pride are often seen by others.
Of course, as a student learns this in the dojo they will know that I will expect this to carry beyond the mats. It is a part of integrity to carry honor at all times. So come to class with a teachable mind and you'll grow with more substance than you ever thought possible.
Willing Heart - This is closely related to a teachable mind. A student with a willing heart has the capacity to integrate the arts into their life. They are willing to take the extra step out of faith of a greater outcome down the road. The opposite of a willing heart is a reluctant heart. The heart of a martial artist has the fibers of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control and an indomitable spirit. These qualities are enhance through learning the physical and spiritual disciplines of the martial arts. A person with a willing heart is willing to test the counsel and assignments given by the instructor through practice.
Dictaphone - Alright, that was supposed to throw you off in a demented humorous sort of way. Actually, an optional requirement of mine is an avenue to record your thoughts. I always carry with me an electronic digital dictaphone. You know, sorta like the ones you see journalists and reporters carry around. Even a pad and pencil will do. Whatever it takes to give you the liberty and means to record your thoughts that you want to reflect on without fearing your own forgetfulness.
Some of man's greatest revelations or inspirations come during times of focus and the pursuit of physical and mental training. As I go through my motions and concentrate on perfection of technique there are times when the floodgates of new techniques and new life lessons present themselves. Admittedly, I tend to forget a lot of things. One way to combat this is to carry with me my dictaphone. Don't be afraid to use your chosen fashion of recording. When inspired - stop and record. Even during class time if a student of mine is inspired I would consider it derelict of duty to the self if they don't stop and record.
These three requirements come to mind first and foremost because it is what I use when I enter the dojo. In the solitude of training the first two help me to ensure growth as I leave the door compared to when I entered. The last ensures that my weakness of mind doesn't lose important inspirations forever.
Concerning recording your thoughts I have found that just the very effort of saving and recording a thought actually enhances the meaning and helps you remember it. This is predicated upon the laws of pondering. Recording your thoughts makes you ponder over them. You want to capture every bit of information you came up with. As you do this doors and wider fields of view begin to encroach your understanding. This is magnifying the inspiration received.
Aside from the dojo I would encourage all to consider three requirements either for yourself or your family. Make these requirements a part of your discipline. Even if you are not a leader you still govern yourself. Therefore, as a leader of yourself you still govern the atmosphere of your mind, body, spirit and environment. You are accountable. Let those requirements foster learning with a teachable mind, a willing heart and by all means record the inspirations you receive.
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