~  Chief Master Larry White ~

~ From the Desk of Chief Master Larry White ~

The practice of Kuk Sool means hard work, patience, and dedication over a long period of time.  Through hard work and dedication the student goes through stages during the practice similar to a metamorphosis.  The student's whole body system, mental set, and sometimes spiritual connections with the universe organize and reorganize in different patterns.  These changes may be foreign to the student…and demands on the nervous system and the whole body may cause discomfort at times.  This is simply part of the training.  The body becoming used to something new and a routine that is different.  If the teacher is systematic, the student will be spared some of the miseries of training, such as soreness and the contusions caused by accidental blows.  If the teacher is very knowledgeable, the student will be spared the mental anguish that may be caused by intense thought and memorization by introduction to meditation.  Becoming a martial arts expert is not easy, it is a difficult job for the teacher and extremely difficult for the student.

Many students expect to learn so-called “secrets”, so he/she can magically control any situation.  Unfortunately, too much material has been written which says "in a few easy lessons, you too can become a master."  The study of martial arts is similar to the study of a musical instrument.  There is lesson progression starting from the basic understanding of music, through the study of musical scales, harmony, and simple songs to more difficult compositions.  The study of Kuk Sool must also begin with theory and simple or basic practice.

The teacher tries to motivate the student to practice as much as possible so that he/she can benefit from the lessons.  The more the student practices, the easier it is for the teacher to help the student on his/her path.  Traditionally, martial arts disciplines are taught slowly, and the student must develop the patience illustrated by the teaching methods of his teacher.  A student must be evaluated carefully to ensure lessons are assimilated and applied properly.  In the fighting arts, for example, you do not match a novice with an experienced fighter.  The novice could get hurt or "gun shy", and their future progress might be limited.  Basic sparring techniques and knowledge are increased slowly so that eventually, when the student faces an opponent, hopefully, the student can be on equal ground.  These methods encourage the student.

My teachers expected tremendous amounts of dedication from their students, but at the same time they didn't want their students to make martial arts their whole life.  Students were expected to be responsible to their families and work, show interest in other art forms, learn proper etiquette, etc.  They were trying to create in their student's a well-rounded person.

The longer I studied with my teacher; I discovered the so-called secrets, the esoteric aspects of the art, were actually being taught to me...it just took time.  I came to realize I had to have proper understanding, proper mental set, and that physical body needed to be capable of enduring the hardships of the newer and more advanced lessons.  Usually, when I was ready to learn a new topic, it was presented to me.  Sometimes I would ask in advance and my teacher would respond, "In time I will, if you dedicate yourself to what I've already shown you."

You insult your teacher by undervaluing his lesson if you do not practice it to perfection.  If you just practice a little and want the teacher to show you something new, you are indicating you don't appreciate his instruction.  You are only looking into the future and being greedy.  Instead of looking to the future, the novice-practitioner should totally immerse him/herself in the techniques from the very beginning.  It is a real joy to practice; it will better prepare the student for more advanced lessons and more rigorous practice.  It is very important for a martial artist, or anyone looking for exercise to promote good health and possible longevity, to practice and take all the lessons you learn seriously.  It is not theory that will make you more proficient as a martial artist, and it is not knowledge that makes you healthier.  Only dedicated practice will accomplish these goals.  Practice and knowledge are the key elements which enable you to stay on the proper path...and it is the grace of having a qualified teacher that enables you to learn the right knowledge at the right time.

~ Kuk Sool ~