Knowledge

"To store up knowledge when young, and to bring it into practical application when old, is the order of things which holds true through all ages. For storing knowledge, we must be guided by great men, otherwise we shall not be able to develop our talents, and adjust ourselves to the infinite varieties of external circumstances. Again, the spirit of studies does not lie in mere reading and writing. The true spirit is to cultivate our minds by the method indicated and to advance to their applications." 

"The phrase 'advantageous to see great men' teaches not to devote oneself to mere reading and writing, but to attend the true school of mixing with great personages, of being aware of the worldly phenomena, and of piercing through the stat of the nation, and gradually to advance. I must open myself to intercourses and I must freely mix with the world."

- My Resolution at the Beginning of Meiji, The Takashima Ekidan. 

This speaks to the need of obtaining knowledge first before teaching. It is knowledge that is both academic and through experience. It is best served for both the future teacher and future students that the teacher acquire such knowledge and experience before taking up the full mantle of teaching alone. Even then it is the experienced and knowledgable teacher who continually, diligently and consistently tests their knowledge and experience under the guidance of one who is greater to maintain a constant change toward new knowledge and experience. 

All to often those who attain the coveted black belt, sho-dan, assume that this is enough to teach. All to often they branch out quickly to be on their own, to own their own dojo and to teach others before they are fully and truly capable. This lessens the lessons. This diminishes the content and context of the system only because no one at such a young age and level can obtain and retain all that is necessary to transmit the fullness of any one system.

Then we can speak toward those who assume the role of teacher early too often attempt to accumulate many other systems to bolster their resume' not considering that the foundation on which they are attempting to build knowledge and experience into a solid foundation of teachings is inadequate to the full task at hand. 

The ancient and wise of old China managed to convey this through such as the I Ching translated into the Japanese Takashima Ekidan, the I Ching equivalent. The entire society of two great and old nations was built upon this great knowledge and experience so it seems ludicrous to try and circumvent the natural process for expedience sake and monetary gain not to leave out ego and pride. 

It is therefore prudent and wise for seekers on knowledge to first assure that their teacher meets these requirements of nature. To be older, wiser and more attuned to both knowledge and experience of the system to be passed down to others who follow. 

I made this mistake and only now through long years of practice, long years of attaining knowledge, and long years of attaining experiences that I have come to accept and understand those early failings and to achieve what I have achieved in my winter years.