ON BEING A MASTER – Tai Chi Sword

One who knows all about a subject is an Expert or Connoisseur.

One who practises it is a Student or Player.

One who loves the practice at whatever level is an Amateur.

One who gets paid to do it is a Professional.

One who contests with it is a Competitor.

One who wins contests with it is a Champion.

One who has studied with a master, practised daily for many years, understands the philosophy, principles and techniques, can demonstrate and teach it, is a Master. S/he does not need to be a champion or a professional.

An Expert or Connoisseur does not need to be a Player.

A Player doesn’t need to be an Expert, Connoisseur or Champion.

An Amateur needs to be a Player, at the highest or lowest level but nothing more.

A Champion needs to be a Player and Competitor who wins, and nothing more.