The practice of Kung Fu is rewarding but can be challenging. In order to excel at your practice, it helps to have a master who is able to competently lead you through your training and allows you to reach your full potential.

As is the case in many aspects of life, finding a great leader can be a difficult task. However, it is worth the effort to find such a master as doing so can make all the difference when it comes to your training.

One of the best way to identify an outstanding master is to watch that master in action. Further, if a Kung Fu master possesses the following qualities it is extremely likely that you have found what you are looking for:

  1. Inspirational. The best way to instruct martial arts students is to inspire them to always do and be their best. A great master will encourage students to do this even if it means surpassing him. Further, an inspirational master is one who is tough on his students but still allows their practice to be joyful.
  2. Knowledgeable. The truly great Kung Fu masters have a keen understanding of the art and can answer all questions regarding the practice of Kung Fu. It is possible to be skilled at Kung Fu but unable to teach it. The greatest masters can do both.
  3. Methodical. A quality master teaches to the needs of a student. He would never teach beyond their abilities. Likewise, he would never withhold information relating to the practice of his art if a student needed it to advance in his or her practice.
  4. Moral. A truly great master is brave, compassionate and respectful to all people. If a master does not practice what he preaches then he cannot be a great master.
  5. Skillful. While many athletes are coached by one who is not able to play the sport—football or basketball, for example—a skilled Kung Fu master is able to do all that he expects his students to do. Even if a master knows everything there is to know about Kung Fu, if he is not skilled in the art he will not be able to teach Kung Fu the way it needs to be taught.

Finding a Kung Fu master who will allow you to reach your full potential can be challenging. However, this individual is worth looking for and, once found, worth his weight in gold.