Keeping an Open Mind

“Ego is the killer of Black Belts.” I have heard Grand Master Shin say this many times over the last 20+ years. This statement is true on many different levels; both inside and outside the martial arts. Ego says my style (studio, instructor, forms, etc…) is better than yours. This small-minded view of the world has two distinct downsides both of which should be equally appalling to you.

The first downside deals with the affront that such an attitude brings to others who are trying to share their knowledge. If your ego is so big as to find no value in the thoughts and ideas of others then you should not be surprised when you find yourself alone. No one should wish to be in the company of another who is not willing to engage in an intelligent exchange of ideas. Check to see that your attitude is not causing a gulf to form between yourself and others.

Downside number two is simply the lack of opportunity you present yourself when your ego over shadows the ideas of others. If your ego is so big to say that mine is the only correct way then you are closing yourself off to the opportunity to experience other views.

The difference between the above items is subtle but significant. One leads to a lack of learning by pushing away others; thereby eliminating the opportunity to expand your horizons due to lack of intelligent dialogue. The other is to discredit opportunities that present themselves before you have taken the opportunity to understand them, simply because you feel they are inferior to your ideas.

In either case the end result is the same. An ego that is allowed to roam unchecked will ultimately lead to a lack of learning. I personally feel remorse for the person who knows everything for they can no longer experience the joy of discovery.

Keep an open mind. Be receptive to new ideas and new perspectives. This does not mean to take the new idea as gospel – rather to honestly listen to and evaluate the new idea on its own merits. Then decide for yourself whether it is relevant to bring into your repertoire of understanding.

Tang Soo!

Master Scott C. Homschek 


Originally published on www.rvtsda.com July 2003