The Three Exercises

First, reminder that the number three seems to have a great deal of significance in the more spiritual aspects to the arts so it is with reverence to those ancient classics that I provide another "three" from the quote that follows attributed to Nobuharu Yagyu, headmaster, Yagyu School of Kendo:

"The secret to achieving skill in kendo is in the spirit that derives from repetition of san ma no i (sahn mah no ee), or "the three exercises." The three are: one, right teaching; two, dedicating oneself to the teaching; and three, applying one's own ingenuity to what is learned from the teachings." - Nobuharu Yagyu Sensei

Invariably I will hear back that the three exercises are kihon, kata and kumite but that in and of itself is limiting and not enough to achieve a high proficiency or skill in karate. Most of the three's one hears from the Isshinryu communities are not the end but rather one member of the group that is a part of "right teaching."

Right teaching, 正: 正しい解釈（ただしいかいしゃく） / the right interpretation and 教: 教えてください（おしえてください） / Please tell me ~, Please teach me ~, Please show me ~, [note: my interpretation or kanji/kana interpretations]. Right teaching (also: 右の指導; Migi no shidō) can be thought of in many different ways but I feel the significance regardless of how it is interpreted by Sensei is the connections that are insinuated by his statement, i.e. dedicated to the teaching and most important applying self ingenuity to the teachings. All things like this for success be it martial skills or some other spiritual-physical endeavor requires they be connected and mutually supportive.

When I read this I immediately thought what a wonderful quote that brings together in a terse way what it takes to teach an art form be it karate, kendo or some other discipline. If the teaching/instruction is not "right" and if the one being taught/instructed does not connect the dots through dedication and ingenuity then they may not be achieving the level and results intended. Often, in my way of thinking, this is the missing part that comes from research and deep study of the history, culture and beliefs of those who came before and allowed us to learn from their experience.

Thought Provoking!

Postscript: Now, the question is - What is "right teaching?" :-) The second question, "Who is the authority on what is right teaching?" Finally, in threes you know, "Who is to say the authority is valid that says what is right teaching?"