The further up the rank ladder people climb the more closed their minds seem to become to constructive criticism. And that’s too bad. [I occasionally catch myself with this problem; I wish I could catch it more often. I know it's there.]
Noticing this is getting easier the more I think about this stuff I’m writing. A week or two ago I led the class for a series of exercises. While counting I motioned for people to place their unused ‘free’ fist on their hip, instead of flailing about. Everybody saw me. The back row picked up on it immediately. The people further to the front half tried. And I was rather surprised to see the front row look me dead in the eyes and completely ignore me.
What I was pointing out wasn’t crucial. But wrap it in the idea of studying basic technique. It then looks like a ‘teaching’ problem. And as far as I’m concerned shows a school’s weak foundation. An open mind is closely tied to some mighty fine characteristics. Have you ever heard a school promoting that martial arts develops discipline? What about humbleness? Leadership skills?
If this hits a nerve, definitely read my latest Sweat Blood! ezine article, “There Is No Substitute For Repetition.”
Here’s the blog entry for that article.
Yes, our highest ranks are in the front, lower ranks to the back.
And no, this isn’t the first time this sort of thing has happened.
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