This is an article that I found interesting and would benefit those of you studying with me. This person has an insight that I thought only a few, like myself, had with a Master of Tradition.
"Searching For a Real Master: the myths About Money$$
Many people say that they should not have to pay large sums of money or even any money at all to learn from a Real Master. I ask you, have you watched many movies? Indeed this is something that has been illustrated in many a Hollywood movie; where an old Master in the Mountains meets a young talented boy, who he devotes his life to train. The classic story. But is this how things work in the real world? Indeed it is not. So why then do Real Masters charge money? Why not teach everyone for free??
First let me explain that there exists a great many cultural barriers which cause a great deal of confusion on this matter. Everyday in elementary schools across North America and Europe, swarms of school children rush through the halls and into their classrooms...noisily talking and laughing, entering the class to find their teacher waiting patiently. The teacher then attempts to usher the children into their seats, attempting to settle them down so that the lessons for the day can begin. When the bell sounds at the end of lessons, the same loud and giddy group of children rush past the teacher, on their way out without a word or a look. This is the culture.
At the very same time on the other side of the globe, Chinese children wait patiently and quietly, properly seated in their classrooms...awaiting the teacher. The teacher enters class after the children and is greeted with a warm "good morning teacher". At the sounding of the bell, it is the teacher who packs up first and leaves the room, but not before he or she is gratefully thanked by the class.."thank you teacher for the lessons of the day". This is the culture.
In Chinese culture, it is an honour and a privilege to learn from someone. Students of Martial arts must apply to be accepted to a school. They do not merely walk in the door and say "Hello, I saw your add, and would now like to join your club..here is one year's membership". No, in China, to be taught be a great Master, one must apply. To be accepted is a great event. It means that you are accepted as part of a family, accepted to train with your new brothers and sisters, under your new Master, who is now a Father figure to you.
When I first started training with my Grand Master, my whole family was made to meet with Grand Master Pan. We were invited to his home for dinner and tea, and talked into the evening. After meeting with me and my family, I was told at the end of the night that I would be accepted to train with Grand Master Pan. It was an honour. It was a privilege. No money in the world can buy that relationship. It is something that is priceless.
At my first lesson it was made crystal clear to me that I was not a student, and he was not my teacher. Grand Master Pan made it quite clear to me that I was a disciple and he was a Sifu. He further continued and explained to me what this relationship meant, and the significant importance and need for the clarification of the titles. "Sifu means Master - Father...", he told me. "you are not my student, you are my disciple...as my disciple you do not just learn to copy my fighting techniques, you copy everything, my habits". What he was referring to was that he was not merely my teacher of fighting techniques but he was my Father figure, and I was to learn from him and become like him, not only in fighting skill, but in mannerisms, and in how I treated others and so on. Once again, you can not buy such a relationship.
In China, Great Master's of Martial Arts are not hermits living in the Mountains, waiting for a young and talented boy to devote their lives to... but are famous and revered Men, who are in HUGE demand by many talented would-be fighters. It is a sign of respect and admiration to offer the Master your services. After all he is, (if accepted as his disciple), your Father. In China, the disciples take care of their Masters in a filial way...they support the Master in every way, including Financially, because in turn they are provided with the kindness and care, and invaluable knowledge of the Master, (knowledge that can not be bought). And so, a real Master does not advertise in the Yellow Pages, he does not seek out students...students seek him out...students who know of the culture, offer the Master money, as a sign of respect, of caring, of filial piety.
I hope that this helps in clarifying a few of the more important of the many misunderstandings in the culture of the west and the culture of the east. If you wish to have the opportunity of training with a great Master, first learn the culture, and the customs. Do not approach a great Master with the idea that you are buying lessons from him...if so you will likely be turned away as a student, told to go elsewhere. Be smart, and first educate yourself.
MGH"
This insight is very rare! 
To become a Disciple of a worthy Master... you must become a Disciple of Tradition. There are those of you who may feel the same way and I pray that I become worthy of your duty and respect.
