Baguacamp

Students

Everyone is different.
Everyone has their own agenda.
Some people are easy to work with, whilst others are not.

One student may try hard but continually fail.
Another might be totally lazy but have a knack for the art.
Occasionally, a student neglects their training and blames the instructor for their lack of progress.

An instructor must find a way to help everyone fulfil their potential.

Sifu

The role of the instructor in a martial arts class is crucial.
In addition to teaching the class, they often write the syllabus, run the school and decide how to approach the art.
Their personality is imprinted on everything they do.

Unlike a school teacher - who implements someone else's curriculum and follows someone else's rules - a martial arts instructor is more like the captain of a ship.

Business

Martial arts have always been taught for money.
The instructor needs a certain income to sustain the school, pay hall rental and their own fees.
Some people teach part-time whilst others teach professionally.

Typically an instructor founds a school or is appointed by a governing body or a chief instructor.
The instructor has a lot of responsibilities.

It is important to respect that the instructor is running a small business.

Responsibility

Being sifu is all about responsibility.
The role of instructor demands a very serious dedication to the art and an ongoing commitment to the students.

A martial arts class needs to have clear boundaries and a code of conduct.
Sifu is the person who ensures that these are adhered to.

They are also responsible for delivering the syllabus.
In some cases, sifu may have written much of the syllabus themselves.

Application

A sifu must be capable of doing/applying all aspects of the art taught in the classes.
Their skills must transcend those of every student in the school.

Theoretic knowledge is not acceptable.

Instructor

Being sifu is about helping students to access the art.
It is not an ego-trip. It is not always fun.
But it is something worth doing.

When a student 'gets it' and their face lights up with wonder, the effort is rewarded.

Etiquette

(i) If they are your instructor

If the person is currently teaching you, then you call them Sifu (No Surname).


(i) If they are not your instructor

In Chinese martial arts you call the instructor Mr Surname or Sifu Surname if they are not your teacher.

To refuse to call an instructor Mr Surname or Sifu Surname is considered to be very arrogant and disrespectful.