Integrity Means Everything
People want the truth and not a lie.
In most martial arts styles, the truth is often times shrouded in the veil of a legend or hyperbole (I think of the many Shao-Lin legends that are described in the Shao-Lin manuals given to new students). And, when this happens, the skill set found within a style more likely than not will have already been obscured or lost. The main reason why is because the teachers in the art lack integrity.
So what gives a teacher integrity? Consider that a martial arts teacher will have integrity if that person demonstrates in conduct, not words, (1) humility (2) competence, and (3) character. In my last blog, I talked about how "humility is good medicine." So, today I only discuss "competence" and "character."
(1) Competence
You wouldn't go to a doctor, lawyer, dentist, architect, or accountant who is not competent in their skill, right? Then so too a person should never learn martial arts from someone who is not competent. But, competence in the martial arts is truly something that may not be known or understood for some time.
What then makes a martial arts teacher competent? Among other things, competence is (1) where the skill set that is taught is consistent with what previous teachers of the art taught (e.g., Northern Shou Shu teaches what Sijo Da Shifu Sr. taught and does not incorporate other kung fu styles into any of the animals); and (2) where the student develops the particular skill being taught (i.e., the ability to use the fighting art). As the old cliche goes, "the proof is in the pudding" --- ask yourself whether you can truly defend yourself from both the "drunk streetfighter" and a "skilled martial artist, UFC fighter, wrestler, military hand-to-hand expert" using the art you learned?
(2) Character
Finally, the sign of a great warrior is not that the warrior seeks war; instead he does everything he can to avoid a war. This is the sign of a true martial arts master.
The character of a great martial arts teacher is the desire to avoid a fight, or a war. This is because the teacher does not need to prove the greatness of his skill to another (even another martial artist). Second, a teacher's character is also defined by whether he seeks to do harm to another, including a student. Unfortunately, some martial arts teachers will physically discipline a student under the auspices of "I am teaching you" -- clearly this is wrong and frankly might be considered criminal as there is no informed consent. Or, where a teacher promotes and teaches vengence or a vendetta, this of course is contrary to practicing humility. Therefore, any martial arts teacher who promotes gratuitous violence should be avoided even if the martial art that is taught is consistent with paramilitary training. (Any military infantry will tell you that there are rules of engagement). If you don't avoid a teacher like this, then you will inevitably become just like your teacher without knowing it.
...And Finally Some Advice...
Life is short and you know not the day nor the hour when your life may be in jeopardy (or when you must render an accounting for your life). If you are going to learn the martial arts or Shou Shu, then find someone who has integrity.