What it means to be a Master

[DragonMike]

I have been studying Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do for the last 18 years. I'm curious what other styles think it means to be a Master. In my school, a Master is expected to be an expert at the physical aspects of the style, but they are also supposed to be a leader in the community and use the skills/training/education to benefit the world. We spend some time taling about how a Master should act in the community (respectful, curteous, humble). Do other styles (particularly hard stlyles) put emphasis on this as well?

[Shorinryu Sensei]

To me, in the realm of the martial arts, I feel that the term "Master" is given out in many, even most, instances much to freely. I've seen 18 year old "Masters", and in my opinion, that is absolutley rediculous!

Master, to me, means a mastery of the system. An 18 year old hasn't mastered tying their shoes, let alone all of the aspects of any particular martial art. No offense meant to all the 18 year olds out there, but use some common sense...they just haven't been ALIVE long enough yet to be a master of anything, let alone a complex martial art.

[orion82698]

To me, in the realm of the martial arts, I feel that the term "Master" is given out in many, even most, instances much to freely. I've seen 18 year old "Masters", and in my opinion, that is absolutley rediculous!

Master, to me, means a mastery of the system. An 18 year old hasn't mastered tying their shoes, let alone all of the aspects of any particular martial art. No offense meant to all the 18 year olds out there, but use some common sense...they just haven't been ALIVE long enough yet to be a master of anything, let alone a complex martial art.

Well said!

[DragonMike]

I would have to disagree with the idea that age plays much in someone being a Master. We all know many people who are in their 40's or 50's who stilll act like spoilled children. And there are younger people who seem to have an inate respect for others and an understanding of what life is about.

[Aodhan]

I think it not only denotes a high level of proficiency in the art, but also takes into account how active you are in your organization and how much you give back to the organization. That means participation at regional and national events, helping promote and refine the art, etc.

Any chimpanzee can master the moves (And they've taught kata to chimps, so that's not intended to be a slam), but to truly be a master involves a much more rounded approach than simple physical mastery.

Aodhan

[TAZ]

Aodhan wrote: Any chimpanzee can master the moves (And they've taught kata to chimps, so that's not intended to be a slam), but to truly be a master involves a much more rounded approach than simple physical mastery.

Exactly! How about maturity and development of one's character. It isn't so much about age as it is about experiences and wisdom. An 18 year old just doesn't have these qualities to the degree to be considered a "master".

[orion82698]

I would have to disagree with the idea that age plays much in someone being a Master. We all know many people who are in their 40's or 50's who stilll act like spoilled children. And there are younger people who seem to have an inate respect for others and an understanding of what life is about.

While I do agree with your statement, I have seen more (under the age of 20) high ranked individuals who aren't ready at all to carry the rank of master. I'm not saying they shouldn't be a Black belt, but Master? At that age?

[niel0092]

So all this begs the question then "What age is appropriate to be a master"?

My personal belief is that age is not the greatest factor, but maturity and life experience, along with a great depth of knowledge in the art. I dont beleive I'd qualify at age 28 by any stretch of the imagination...

[johnnymac]

In Saishu Ryu our head guy is only like 30. He is in my mind a master. I have learned more from him in 5 months than I have learned anywhere else in my entire life. I think a master of an art has an aura around them, and when they get on the floor and teach it shows. There is a level of maturity that goes along with it as well, but some people have that maturity at a younger age than others. It's kind of like our Doshu says "Any 18 year old could be called a man, but his actions will show if he really is a man."

John

[DragonMike]

In Saishu Ryu our head guy is only like 30. He is in my mind a master. I have learned more from him in 5 months than I have learned anywhere else in my entire life. I think a master of an art has an aura around them, and when they get on the floor and teach it shows. There is a level of maturity that goes along with it as well, but some people have that maturity at a younger age than others. It's kind of like our Doshu says "Any 18 year old could be called a man, but his actions will show if he really is a man."

John

In my style there is an age minimuim of 21 to be a Master. I was fortunate to be promoted to Master when I was 25. I have seen my instructor deny people who were older from testing to be a Master, because of their attitude. I think we need to judge people based on their character not on the year on their Drivers Liscence.