Regardless of the Question…
As a martial arts instructor there have been many times I have directed students to do something and then be asked the question:
“Why?”
I never take that question as a student being disrespectful, but I see it as an opportunity to further educate my students. Regardless of the Question, the student deserves an answer. If I can guide my students to a deeper understanding of their martial arts journey, then I will also grow professionally from the experience. There will be times when a student doesn’t understand the answer that I will give them or maybe doesn’t even agree with my approach. In any case, that will be acceptable. In order for a person to grow and gain true knowledge one has to personally experience both success and failure. My approaches and advice are based on my own experiences in martial arts over the past forty years. Each student will forge their own path.
-Master John Dowdy
After having read many of your articles, I have to say that most of what you say relates to life in general, not just martial arts.
The lessons learned in your school should be applied to every aspect of our lives. We should never stop asking “Why” or questioning in general. We are learning throughout our lives. No question is a dumb question if you don’t know the answer.