Cup of Tea

A Cup of Tea
 
A Great Sensei received a young man, who came to inquire about traditional martial arts training. The young man talked and talked about his desire to be a great martial artist, how fast and strong he was, and how he would one day beat every challenger.
The Sensei politely served the tea. He poured his visitor’s cup full and then kept on pouring.
The young man watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. “It is overfull. No more will go in!”
“Like this cup,” the Sensei said, “you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you real martial arts unless you first empty your cup?”
Most folks only take the martial arts while they are excited, they do it until they get bored or busy, always wanting the Sensei to dazzle them with a new flashy skills.
While a few others truly study the martial arts; learning the culture, the history, the students, and the teachers. As these few study and learn, they are humble and practice diligently, applying the lessons to life, feeling honored to learn such an amazing art, with utmost respect for their fellow students and teachers.