Continued from Part 1.

On Friday, Sifu and I went to check out the site for the Sunday IAW Event in Bruchsal. It’s at a local school gymnasium.

I always get excited walking onto these indoor courts. Play is imminent and eminent. Brings me back to my fun pickup volleyball and junior varsity basketball days. In this case, let the WingChun games begin!

I’m proud to be one of a few Private Students of Sifu, which he partially defines as those who have received frequent Private Lessons with him for many years. We’ve known each other for nearly fifteen. Yet still without fail, I never cease to gain insight from all our interactions.

There’s something to be said about the special reciprocity between teacher and student. And I will say it!

This is a unique bond that, like all human relationships, aren’t guaranteed to work. It takes two characters with a certain degree of self awareness, responsibility, motivation and discipline to build mutual trust, respect, openness and understanding. These qualities become especially essential when repeatedly refined and tested over time.

The incalculable amount of life, energy, effort and money we’ve invested in each other is for an invaluable return. I feel like I’ve gotten the better deal so far! It’s helped to actualize my potential. I pay back my appreciation by inspiring students of the next generation.

To better pass on this art is why I did a couple more Private Lessons with Sifu today. I’ve lost count over the last decade. But I never take each such opportunity for granted. Here are several things I keep in mind:

1. Realize everything is for the first and last time. Keep open, fresh, curious, present.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions. The concrete return outweighs the abstract risk.
3. Relate insights to what I assumed to know. Always revise my conceptual connections.
4. Examine the source of negative thoughts. Release them if they have no merit.
5. See learning as a positive challenge. It’s easier to give up than grow up, to lose faith than win wisdom.
6. Enjoy feeling and showing gratitude. This powerful attitude and simple action renews itself.

Yes, easier said than done. But I hope these perspectives from my experience are useful reminders. Sometimes it’s easy to zone out and get dull. My progress stalls until I wake up again.

Continue on to Part 3.

What are your important learning relationships? Do you have any effective tips to strengthen them? Please share your ideas with me below!