K' Evans
Orange Belt
In a recent conversation with my Sifu, the topic of having a descendant or protege was brought up in the martial arts world. Jokingly, I had asked my Sifu if he had any proteges in mind, as I assumed he might name his own children. Oddly, he instead refered to me as a possible candiate, and said that it was more of a question if anybody wanted to adopt him, than vice versa. He also spoke that he would probably choose a couple of people, instead of just relying on one.
I asked him what criterias he had in choosing a candiate, for I thought that it was too soon to consider me. I have only been studying under him for slightly less than a year; I was simply not proficient in our particular art and there are other highly capable classmates of mine to consider. He replied that this topic had been brought up before in a discussion between him and other seniors, and I was chosen because of 1) youth, and 2) enthuasism and passion. Another additional factor was,for lack of a better word, about being a "purist". Apparently, some of my other young classmates were still steeped in learning other martial arts and this could be a cause for concern.
Of course, I am incredibly honoured that he thinks of me favourably, but after this event, I have become curious about this whole notion of having descendants and proteges in the martial arts world. Sure, there is an important function being carried out, i.e. the passing down of cultural practices (which can be of a martial, religious or political nature), but somehow I think there are very unique features of this practice within the martial arts world.
For one, I don't think youth is particularly important. I think a Sensei or teacher should probably opt those who have demonstrated impressive development and proficiency in that said art, and age shouldn't be much of a factor. I also wonder if some of these masters actually have the desire to pass on their art. It seems to me that some masters rather carry their secrets with them to their graves instead of sharing them. Valuable knowledge is lost, but in a way, their iconic status will continue to be spoken of in history.
I also wonder if this is more of an Asian tradition than explicitly Western, given the analogous cultural practice in Asian cultures to pass down the family names, wealth and other achievements. I am not too sure if Western practitioners find themselves obligated within their cultural environments to practice this.
Do the teachers in this forum think of this question? And if you do, what exactly are you looking for in a student/protege? How important is it to you as a martial artist?
I asked him what criterias he had in choosing a candiate, for I thought that it was too soon to consider me. I have only been studying under him for slightly less than a year; I was simply not proficient in our particular art and there are other highly capable classmates of mine to consider. He replied that this topic had been brought up before in a discussion between him and other seniors, and I was chosen because of 1) youth, and 2) enthuasism and passion. Another additional factor was,for lack of a better word, about being a "purist". Apparently, some of my other young classmates were still steeped in learning other martial arts and this could be a cause for concern.
Of course, I am incredibly honoured that he thinks of me favourably, but after this event, I have become curious about this whole notion of having descendants and proteges in the martial arts world. Sure, there is an important function being carried out, i.e. the passing down of cultural practices (which can be of a martial, religious or political nature), but somehow I think there are very unique features of this practice within the martial arts world.
For one, I don't think youth is particularly important. I think a Sensei or teacher should probably opt those who have demonstrated impressive development and proficiency in that said art, and age shouldn't be much of a factor. I also wonder if some of these masters actually have the desire to pass on their art. It seems to me that some masters rather carry their secrets with them to their graves instead of sharing them. Valuable knowledge is lost, but in a way, their iconic status will continue to be spoken of in history.
I also wonder if this is more of an Asian tradition than explicitly Western, given the analogous cultural practice in Asian cultures to pass down the family names, wealth and other achievements. I am not too sure if Western practitioners find themselves obligated within their cultural environments to practice this.
Do the teachers in this forum think of this question? And if you do, what exactly are you looking for in a student/protege? How important is it to you as a martial artist?
