What is the breaking point?

[bushido_man96]

So, have any of you faced a similar point in your martial path? Or even just considered it? Is it arrogance to think I can do something like this? I'm not claiming to form a new system, I give full credit to the origin of whatever I teach. And I'm fully aware that part of this process is going to isolate myself and my students in the martial world somewhat. Dealing with that would be the next step/problem that I have to deal with. Assuming I find a way forward, anyone have any advice in dealing with that situation?

I am in a spot like this in my training right now, too. I think that your focus on delving into the applications of what you are wanting to teach is a great idea, and I think that this kind of divergence into that kind of a focus is allows the Arts to grow. My problem is I don't have a lot of options in my area, so I'm kind of stuck doing what we always do in class, and picking up training partners here and there to focus on different things.

I think the biggest problem with curriculum is that teachers get so caught up in the curriculum that they are either scared to change, add, or subtract things because of a senior rank's response or getting dumped by an organization, or they don't change it because they feel married to the curriculum, and must preserve it.

I'd say go follow your goals. I hope what happened to ps1 doesn't happen to you, but if it does, just put that memory in your back pocket, keep it with you, and when the time comes that a former student of yours comes to speak with you on a similar matter, you'll be more open-minded than those that were before you.

ps1: man, that's a crappy deal there. You handled it very well, too. I can't imagine how you must have fealt getting lied to like that, especially the way they likely made you look like some sort of bad guy in the eyes of that girl who tested for her black belt. It seems some people have no shame.

[honoluludesktop]

It took me a long time to learn that you can not teach another anything beyond basic techniques simply because each person is unique. But maybe that is a lesson too, that can not be taught. You don't even know how which exposures will stick to your students.

So one may say, "then what value is it to teach"? Besides from making a place to study, it's providing your experience that allows you to recognize when something is going on with your student, and hopefully guide him to find himself.

As far as the problems that some may have with their organization, IMO this may have more to do with the dynamics of personality (both parties) then anything else. If you are not diverting from the organizations policies, why do you have to discuss your lesson plan with them, unless it is to obtain approval. Don't take this the wrong way, both sides are right, no one is wrong. Just different.

[Lee M]

Concepts are what you teach once someone has the basics of a technique thats what makes them work.

I think your always going to be critcized for claiming you've created your own art.

Most of have - imagine a graphic equalizer with different levels of base, treble - this is how most of are similar but also unique.