I find it strange that in a world full of challenges some people give up as soon as any problems arise. I took up kung fu as a hobby just to get fit and learn some self defence, but as time went on I became more and more interested and intrigued with the style I was learning, so much so I started to up my attendance and began to learn more from my Instructors.
As the years began to roll by (because they will anyway) I took my Assistant Instructors grading which I passed, then thought why stop there? I wanted to go on and become a Full Instructor, so I approached my Instructors and asked them if I could grade. I don’t know if their faces showed a glint of happiness or if they were trying not to laugh, but joking aside I took my Instructors grading and happily passed. Putting on that black sash was one of the proudest moments of my life; some people seem to think that once you have your black sash that’s it, job done. Far from it. I believe it shows a great amount of faith in you from your Instructors, a faith and loyalty that should be returned. I could not wait to open my Club with my wife Jodie, who is also an Instructor and at 6 months pregnant still trains more than some students, though obviously in a more gentle manner, but it says a lot that she still wants to train and when she cannot train she will turn up to be a part of the class, you can learn so much by watching and listening. Now we have our own Club in Peacehaven and we both love teaching and passing on the style that has given us so much. There is no better feeling than watching your students grow and become more confident in the style and their patterns. What a great way to show your loyalty to the style by passing it onto others. But it’s not just about the kung fu when you are an Instructor, it’s an obligation to your Instructors and students, to be aware of all the extras that go with being an Instructor, the admin work, being there when needed, helping at gradings, camps etc, the list is endless.
My loyalty will always be to my Instructors and students because I could never think about giving up or splitting away. I cannot comprehend why anyone would, the only reason I can come up with is that they are not the person they think they are. Any hint of a problem and they’re gone. Sure we have high standards but that is one of the reasons I joined and stay. I don’t want to be short changed by going to some Club where the ‘Instructor’ only knows half a dozen patterns and maybe a weapons form. High standards create better students, they learn from how you act and behave. I want people to meet my students and know that I am their Instructor, that people say my students show respect and good etiquette and I want them to feel proud that people think so.
Loyalty is a strange thing. It’s not as if we have to shave our heads, it is an understanding of what it means to belong and respect those who have given you so much by returning it. Thank god it’s not like the old days in China, any sign of being disloyal meant beheading, and how times have changed, for the best I suppose. As for sacrificing my time, I do not consider my time sacrificed, I am there because I want to be, to say I sacrifice my time is wrong, yes we all have families, jobs etc but time can be managed and any good instructor can do this. I chose to become an Instructor and I want people to know that I will not be going anywhere. Why would I want to? I took on this role and knew it wouldn’t all be easy and I will take all of the ups and downs and challenges that come with it. On the upside I get the massive benefits and rewards of my own Club, Instructors who know their stuff and a great feeling of achievement when I see my students pass their gradings. I don’t want to put anyone off from being an Instructor, far from it, I say go for it. We need to pass this style onto many more people and being a White Crane Martial Artist means you are a cut above the rest, who only play at being martial artists.
So keep training, be loyal and be proud!
Geoff Gregson
Peacehaven Instructor