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It was apparent to the master from the start of the dialogue that the teacher w...

One of the key tenets of the fighting styles is humility, but unfortunately some practitioners dont seem to embrace these beliefs and alternatively insist on being aggressive, arrogant and boastful. If you know someone like this you may want to show them this short story in regards to a wise Zen Master that is told in The Warrior Within by John Little. (Or, it is possible to only send this article )....... to them.

It was obvious to the master from the start of the dialogue that the teacher was not so much interested in studying Zen as he was in impressing the master together with his own opinions and information. While the Zen teacher spoke, the happy man would often interrupt him with statements like Oh, yes we have that, too and so on.

Eventually, the Zen instructor stopped talking and started to serve tea to the learned man. Before glass was full.. he mixed. and then kept pouring until it overflowed.

Enough! the professor once more abandoned. The cup is overfull, forget about should go in!

Certainly, I see, answered the Zen teacher. Like this cup, you are full of your personal thoughts and speculations. If you do not first empty your cup, how do you taste my cup of tea?

This little story perfectly illustrates the characteristics to be modest and open-minded. As a martial artist it's important to acknowledge that we dont know everything, and though we attempt to achieve our potential we can always study from the others, including our teacher in our chosen martial art.

One very famous martial artist who epitomized the grade of being learning from others and open-minded is Bruce Lee and the story quoted above was one of his favorites. Unfortunately for his family and for the others of the planet, Bruce Lee unfortunately died over 30 years ago on July 21st 1973.

He is remembered by most of us being an action superstar but he was also a really accomplished martial artist who was studying and constantly learning all areas of the martial arts with unshakeable determination. The heritage we were left by him through his movies, and more importantly his writings, has probably influenced more people to start their study of the martial arts than any single factor. Bruce Lee examined a number of different martial arts and his glass was always clear and prepared to be filled.

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Therefore my problem to you is, Have YOUR cup be emptyed by you recently? If not, then you might want to think about this little story and take a moment, and reflect on the position of your personal glass. "Is it clear? Or is it full?"

If your cup is empty and ready to be filled again, then study my FREE Report, Achieving the Black Belt: How to Successfully Take Your Karate to another Level. You are able to get it at sit back with a fresh pot of tea and e-mail me at Paul@freekarateinformation.com with your comments. I look forward to hearing from you.

Good luck and most readily useful wishes on your own journey in karate.