I’m a big proponent of questioning authority and asking why. I’ve mentioned it in previous articles to never stop asking questions and not to simply believe what you’re told. Now it’s time for me to contradict myself! Fall in line, do what you’re told and don’t question my authority!

Ok, let me clarify, there’s a time and place for everything, and asking questions is no different. When your boss runs into the room and barks out commands, do you stop him and question his commands? You may find yourself without a boss to question shortly thereafter. Does a soldier stop and ask his commanding officer what the importance is of his orders? I shudder to think of the results of that poorly timed question! Timing and trust tend to be the biggest factors here. Trust in your superior or instructor that they know best. Admittedly it’s not easy nowadays to trust authority figures and professionals as we are living in an age of being the “Jack of all trades” who dislikes their job, more than the “Ace of your skill” who loves their job. We sometimes blindly trust someone who we assume we should, and it may backfire.

Ask questions ahead of time to gain that trust. While it’s important to constantly ask “why”, it’s also important to know when to conform and do what you’re told, or what society expects. But you’re a rebel and you live by your own rules, right? Even rebels conform. How many people do you see purposefully driving on the left hand side of the road here in the states? No need to stop in the middle of the road and ask “why?”. Life just works smoother and more efficiently when we are all on the same page. Our daily routine is dictated by this order and hierarchy. Parents don’t do what their children tell them….ok some do, but they shouldn’t. We put our pants on AFTER we put our underwear on…except for Superman, but he has a pass. Hierarchy, order, trust and timing are what keep things running smoothly and efficiently. I love when students ask me why we do a drill or what the purpose of a technique is, but stopping in the middle of the drill to ask why only reduces your time spent practicing.

So remember, always ask why, just know that sometimes that “why” has to be spoken to just yourself until the right time. Also know that sometimes those questions about technique can many times be answered by practicing. Some of the best answers come from self discovery!

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