shaolin news & inspiration

In early August, I had the wonderful experience of returning to the role of student while attending Harvard University’s Professional & Executive Development program, where I received certification as an Executive Leadership Coach. It was energizing to be surrounded by curious, growth-minded peers, and I found myself thinking often about the dojo floor: practicing, receiving feedback, adjusting, and trying again.

Our instructor, Madeline McNeely, described what makes a Master Coach.  I kept thinking about a question often asked of me: “What makes someone a Master in the martial arts?” I’ve personally never thought of “mastery” as the goal or a finish line or a title earned just one time. I’ve thought of it as living practice: a disciplined way of learning, teaching, listening, adapting, and leaving something stronger for those who come next.  Here’s an acronym Madeline used that really captured the parallel:

M.A.S.T.E.R.Y.

Methods

“Consistent use of established curricula, frameworks and teaching models” (our techniques and forms by rank, as well as “HOW” we teach them)

Accreditation

“Recognized credentials that demonstrate training, certifications and standards” (our Black Belt testing programs, instructor training, and additional certifications)

Sustained Practice

A consistent number of years and/or number of hours working with different clients and contexts” (the sheer number of hours we personally dedicate to our own training, as well as training students in an inclusive manner)

Teaching

“Capacity to teach coaching effectively … to mentor and train coaches to teach others” (our focus on teaching others to be good instructors, established pedagogical approaches)

Embodied Presence

“Integration of leadership qualities into every aspect of one’s physical being – posture, body language, and non-verbal behaviors” (modeling the attributes and behaviors we want to see in our instructors and in our students, particularly around our 5 Animal Rules)

Repeatable

“Ability to consistently reproduce high-quality results” (training ourselves and others to a consistently high standard of performance)

Your Legacy

“Leaving an impact in your field … mentoring the next generation, sustaining your influence” (teaching the next generation of instructors, ensuring inclusive respect of the core traditions, adapting for today’s times, serving our communities)

(excerpt from Madeline McNeely, www.conditioningleaders.com)

Recognition as a Master-level instructor in the martial arts is more than “putting in the time.” It is a Journey of becoming: committing to one’s own continued growth, serving as a role model for the next generation, honoring traditions while adapting to today’s needs, and teaching in inclusive ways that make others stronger. In my mind, that is the real work of mastery—not arriving, but continuing to learn so that others can grow because of it.